Abbaye de Bon Repos Saint-Gelven

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Repos is a 12th century monastery ruin in the municipality of Saint-Gelven, around 25 kilometers northwest of Pontivy. Idyllically situated at the western end of Lac de Guerlédan with a view of the Nantes-Brest canal, Bon Repos is now a must-see for contemporary art lovers thanks to its exhibitions.

Art at the abbey

Religious heritage and contemporary art merge at the Abbaye de Bon Repos, as the former Cistercian abbey regularly hosts exhibitions. The two events “Murmures” and “Atmospheres” alternate on an annual basis. At “Murmures”, artists are invited to create a dialog between the abbey and its natural surroundings using sound elements. In “Atmospheres”, artists work together with the local population. Here, the relationship between identity and environment is explored using a variety of media.

The history of Brittany

One of the abbey's most spectacular events is the historical performance “Le son et lumière”. This annual sound and light show in August tells the story of Brittany from the Neolithic Age to the Revolution. Over 400 actors in more than 1,200 costumes, 45 dogs and 35 horses take part in this event, which ends with an impressive torchlight parade and fireworks display.

Things to know during your visit

If you wish, you can explore the Abbaye de Bon Repos with the help of an audio guide. A virtual tour with a tablet is also possible. This allows you to immerse yourself in the 18th century and see various rooms of the abbey in a three-dimensional representation. In the summer months of July and August, guided tours are also offered twice a day. Young and old discover the hidden sides of the monument on a journey through time and gain a deeper insight into the exhibitions. Children and young people can learn more about the life of the monks at educational museum events.

Around the abbey

There is much more to discover on the abbey grounds. For example, you can visit the farmers' market (every Sunday morning from March to October) or look for souvenirs in the abbey store. We also recommend exploring the surrounding nature, such as the gorges of Doualas or the Landes de Liscuis heathland, which boasts rugged mountain ridges and megalithic tombs. The monastery is located in the forest of Quénécan. It is known for the many wild boar, deer and stags that you can spot here. In between, the abbey café, a crêperie and a restaurant invite you to take a leisurely break.

The Abbaye de Bon Repos was founded as early as the 12th century. It is said that Allain III de Rohan, who hunted in this region, had an apparition of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin is said to have asked him to build an abbey on this site. Allain III de Rohan complied with this request and founded Bon Repos in 1184. The abbey experienced great prosperity before it was gradually abandoned to decay. During the Revolution, the abbey was even sold as national property and subsequently lay in ruins. In 1986, a group of enthusiasts decided to rebuild it. After more than 20 years of renovation work, the Abbaye de Bon-Repos reopened its doors to the public and now hosts numerous exhibitions of contemporary art. Although only the remains of the original 13th century buildings remain, the 18th century buildings and the preserved cloister are well worth a visit.

By car

Rennes is around 120 kilometers from the abbey. Follow the N164 in a westerly direction until you reach Saint-Gelven. There, turn south onto the road and you will reach the abbey after a few hundred meters. From Saint Brieuc, it is around 55 kilometers to Bon Repos. Take the D700 to Saint-Hervé and change to the D35 there. At Mûr-de-Bretagne, take the N164, which you follow again to Saint-Gelven and from there follow the route described.