Saint-Magloire de Léhon Abbey

Abbey in Dinan & Léhon

Abbaye Saint-Magloire De Léhon, Cloître — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nono314

Saint-Magloire Abbey, nestled in the former commune of Léhon in France’s Côtes-d’Armor, is a testament to the rich history of Benedictine monasticism. Founded in the 9th century by Nominoë, this former monastery was significantly supported by successive lords and the relics of Saint Magloire, which bolstered its spiritual influence until the French Revolution. Despite Viking raids in 910 leading the monks to flee and establish a new abbey in Paris, they returned to Léhon to rebuild in the early 11th century, under the aegis of the Parisian motherhouse.

The abbey’s history is intertwined with legends, including one where six Welsh monks were granted land by Nominoë to build a monastery, provided they could find the relics of a Breton saint. They purportedly stole Saint Magloire’s relics from Sark, leading to the establishment of the monastery at Léhon. Over the centuries, the abbey saw multiple reconstructions and became intertwined with the political and religious fabric of Brittany, including the submission to the Abbey of Marmoutier and various royal interventions.

Despite destructions and rebuildings, particularly during the 12th and 13th centuries under Pierre Mauclerc, much of the abbey’s initial structures have not survived. However, the buildings that have been preserved and classified as historic monuments since 1931, offer a glimpse into its storied past. The abbey’s legacy includes a significant right of justice and contributions from notable figures like Henri II of Avaugour.

The Revolution sold the abbey as national property, leading to various uses, including a brewery and a spinning mill, before restoration efforts began in the late 19th century. Today, the abbey church, restored and reconsecrated in the late 19th century, stands as a symbol of Léhon’s historical depth, with its architecture, recumbent figures, and stained glass windows contributing to its significance as a monument. The church houses an organ with a fascinating history, echoing the abbey’s enduring legacy in Brittany’s cultural and religious landscape.

The Saint-Magloire de Léhon Abbey appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Dinan & Léhon!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!