Built on the edge of Boquen Forest, near Plénée Jugon, this Cistercian abbey is an ideal place for meditation. It was founded in 1137 by Olivier II, Count of Dinan. At this time, some Cistercian monks from Bégard Abbey (85 kms to the NW) settled in Boquen. The abbey prospered from the start, and its sphere of influence developed quickly.

The abbey went into decline from the 16th century, during the war of religion (1588 - 1598), when it was looted. Just before the French Revolution, only the prior and three monks lived there. In 1790, the Abbey was sold for next to nothing, as it was a state-owned property. Totally deserted for over a century, it was ransacked and a lot of stones were removed.

In 1936, a Cistercian monk called Dom Alexis came back to Boquen and took over the Abbey. Gradually, he and a couple of monks reestablished Cistercian monastic life and rebuilt the buildings (refectory, library, chapel…).Thanks to Dom Alexis, the Abbey was listed among the National Historic Monuments in 1938. He continued his restoration work throughout his life.

All theses efforts allowed the Abbey to be ranked among the National Historic Monuments in 1938.

Dom Alexis' efforts were celebrated at the consecration of the abbey-church in August 1965 by many civilian and key religious figures. Dom Alexis attended the ceremony on a stretcher, totally exhausted by his work. He died a few months later in November 1965.

Since 1976, at the request of the Church, a community of Sisters of Bethlehem has been living in the Abbey, dedicating their lives to God in total solitude.

HIGHLIGHTS :

The 12th century church, ranked among the National Historic Monuments, containing Dom Alexis' grave. (Romanesque style, mixed with nascent gothic style);

Inside the abbey-church: the light airy wooden roof structure which was built in the 1960's;

The 15th century chancel, where were buried the remains of Gilles de Bretagne, brother of the Duke François II were buried. He was murdered by his brother's partisans in the jail of the Château de la Hardouinaye in Merdrignac;

In one of the lateral chapels of the southern transept, a 15th century wooden polychrome (statue) representing the Virgin and child;

The abbey's mill, which is being restored.

Practical information : The Abbey is open to visitors all year, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (7.00 pm in summer), except during services. There is a permanent exhibition on the history and the everyday life of the abbey, and a video about the sisters' life. There is a craft display in the abbey shop (hand-made earthenware, sculptures, natural products ) Service hours: The Eucharist usually takes place every Sunday on 11.00 am. For other services, please contact the monastery. Notre Dame de la Croix Vivifiante Boquen 22640 PLENEE JUGON Tél: 02.96.30.22.36