Saint-Aubin-des-Bois Monastery, Cistercian monastery in Plédéliac, France
Saint-Aubin-des-Bois Monastery is a former Cistercian abbey in Brittany with medieval stone buildings and structures. The site includes remains of residential and service buildings organized around a central courtyard following the typical layout of monastic communities.
The abbey was founded in 1138 and received papal confirmation for its lands in 1143. After the French Revolution, it was transformed into a retirement home for priests in 1825.
The monastery served as a spiritual center where monks lived according to strict Cistercian rules and practices. The layout of the buildings around a central courtyard still shows how the community organized its daily life together.
The monastery is located in the rural Côtes-d'Armor region and is best explored on foot to see the various buildings and courtyards. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor exploration, as much of the site is in the open.
The monastery retained its religious function during the French Revolution when many other abbeys were destroyed or lost their properties. This continuity allowed the buildings to survive and later serve as a home for retired clergy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
