The Abbey of Notre Dame at Langonnet

At the heart of the Valley of the river Ellé, in the beautiful countryside of Langonnet, lies the Abbey of Notre Dame, founded by the Cistercians in 1136.

A few lines on a tourist website are never going to be enough to summarize its amazing story... of the damage suffered during the Wars of Religion, its abandonment by the monks after the 1789 Revolution and the brigands who took refuge there, Napoleon III, who installed the first national stud farm in 1806, moving and the arrival of the Cistercians half a century later following an exchange with Hennebont...

To this highly turbulent history, is opposed the calm that reigns today. The typical Cistercian bell tower, the trapezoidal cloister and the delicacy of the chapter house give a certain nobility to the building.

You can visit the museum of African art, little brother to the famous Parisian museum on Quai Branly, dedicated to primitive art. The displays include many objects, tools and artwork brought to France by missionaries over the years.

Walking by the fountain of St. Anthony along the trail laid by the Friends of the Abbey, you'll get an excellent view of this architectural gem.

A particularly agreeable outing for a couple or family !

The abbey is open every day from 9 to 12 and from 14.00 to 17.30 except Sunday morning