Discovering the Valley of the Saints
Meet a unique site near your Best Western in Saint-Brieuc
La Vallée des Saints is an unexpected project in the heart of Brittany, in the department of Côtes-d'Armor. It is dedicated to Breton culture and the preservation of the region's religious heritage.
The birth of an extraordinary project
La Vallée des Saints was created in 2008 by 3 local people who wanted to build a monumental collection of statues representing Breton saints. They created the association "La Vallée des Saints" to give shape to their project. From the moment the first statue was installed, the initiative has gone from strength to strength. This unique site very quickly attracted the interest and support of many local players.
Over the years, sculptors from the Breton region have worked together to carve majestic granite statues to add to the variety of Breton saints. Each statue is unique and bears the mark of the skills of local craftsmen. The landscape of the valley has thus been transformed, becoming an open-air exhibition gallery where these impressive sculptures are showcased.
In 2002, there were 155 statues in Carnoët. The association's ambition is to eventually install 1,000 Breton saints.
Who are the saints in La Vallée des Saints?
This remarkable collection of granite statues is made up of the best-known saints. They include
- Saint Yves, patron saint of Brittany and lawyers;
- Saint Malo, founder of the monastery on the island of Saint-Malo;
- Saint Corentin, first bishop of Quimper;
- Saint Samson, founder of the monasteries of Pental and Dol-de-Bretagne;
- Saint Patern, first bishop of Vannes...
Although they are less well known, they are also of major importance in tradition. Each one tells a story and is a living symbol of Breton identity.
Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to discover the Valley of the Saints and learn more about their representations.
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