Le Relecq Abbey

posted in: France, Home | 1

The Abbey of Le Relecq was founded in 1132 by the Cistercians, the second Abbey which they established in Brittany – the first was at Boquen. The order was founded in the 11C and perhaps the best known leader was St Bernard of Clairvaux. The early date of the Abbey of Le Relecq shows the very quick spread of the order under St Bernard’s leadership.

The Church at Le Relecq
The Church at Le Relecq
Le Relecq Abbey
Le Relecq Abbey

The Church is being renovated to accommodate an annual series of concerts – it would be good to return and spend more time looking round. The Cistercians were known for the agricultural knowledge and engineering skills, particularly in the use of water, and I would like to look more closely at the lakes, and the remains of what looked like a pumping system at the far side of the lakes.

The lake outside the Church at Le Relecq
The lake outside the Church at Le Relecq
The Church at Le Relecq
The Church at Le Relecq
Another barrel-vaulted, blue ceiling
Another barrel-vaulted, blue ceiling
Renovation work in the Church at Le Relecq
Renovation work in the Church at Le Relecq
Carved columns in the Church at Le Relecq
Carved columns in the Church at Le Relecq

The stained glass windows were particularly beautiful – I didn’t do them justice.

Stained glass in the Church at Le Relecq

The Church at Le Relecq

And finally…

Gargoyle at Le Relecq

You may be interested in
The History of the Abbey Le Relecq
The Abbey of Le Relecq
Monasticism in Brittany

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