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The abbey was built in 1184, and has been demolished and rebuilt many times following wars since that time. Although the Abbey itself is not a good place for handicapped, having none of the easy walkways to take you into the abbey, what this Abbey offers is more than most historic buildings, ... Read review
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Advantages: History brought back to life by today's generation. Disadvantages: None.
...small enough not to obscure the views, you look towards an Archway that takes the visitor back in time to the Abbey of Bon Repos, which means "Good Rest".
The abbey was built in 1184, and has been demolished and rebuilt many times following wars since that time. Although the Abbey itself is not a good place for handicapped, having none of the easy walkways to take you into the abbey, what this Abbey offers is more than most ... ...enjoyable events and possibilities to the able bodied and disabled alike.
Set in a beautiful setting alongside the River Blavet, the friends of Bon Repos have been gradually rebuilding the abbey and visitors can take part just by partaking in the events, or by the purchase of a slate to be laid on the roof of the abbey. The most popular of the paid events is the Son et Lumiere or sound and light show. All of the participants in the ... more
Walking down a leafy lane, slate walls on either side of you which are small enough not to obscure the views, you look towards an Archway that takes the visitor back in time to the Abbey of Bon Repos, which means "Good Rest".
The abbey was built in 1184, and has been demolished and rebuilt many times following wars since that time. Although the Abbey itself is not a good place for handicapped, having none of the easy walkways to take you into the abbey, what this Abbey offers is more than most historic buildings, in that history is being repeated in a wonderful setting that does offer a miriad of enjoyable events and possibilities to the able bodied and disabled alike.
Set in a beautiful setting alongside the River Blavet, the friends of Bon Repos have been gradually rebuilding the abbey and visitors can take part just by partaking in the events, or by the purchase of a slate to be laid on the roof of the abbey. The most popular of the paid events is the Son et Lumiere or sound and light show. All of the participants in the pageant that is so wonderfully performed after darkness falls, in the first weekends of August, are volunteers who want to help keep the history of the Abbey alive, and the show is spectacular. Seating is outdoors, and when darkness falls, the whole scene across the river and in front of the Abbey is lit up into a theatre almost on the scale of enormous panaramic theatres, and the history of the abbey is told to a display of costume, light, music and commentary.
The event happens for two weekends in August, and the spectacle is amazing, with horses, and peasants, lords and ladies, and all the historic characters that made the history of the abbey a somewhat checkered one, though one that is shared with the audience in such a way as to leave an amazing sense of having belonged to an event for the three to four hour duration.
Other events at the abbey include an exhibition of Vintage cars which is held annually, and a fair where you can watch wood and stone carvers busy with their crafts.
What I like about Bon Repos, which is on the border between Cote D'Amor and Morbihan between Gouarec and Mur de Bretagne, is that it is a site that can be enjoyed by anyone. The picnic areas next to the river offer both sun lit areas, and shady ones. Fishing is permitted with a licence easily available from tobacco shops in neighbouring towns, and the tranquility that this little enchanted piece of French soil offers is astounding by todays rush and hustle and bustle.
There is no entry fee, since there is little of the original abbey left, although what is there stands impressively against a Brittany Skyline.
Every Sunday morning during the summer time, there is an artisinal market at the abbey, where local craftsmen can sell their wares, and the abbey itself has a Brocante (antiques shop), a restaurant and hotel overlooking the water, and a shop that sells minerals and stones from all over the world. The hotel charges 35 euros a night for a double room which offers convenience for local attractions more than all mod cons. Bikes can be hired from the abbey as a modest rate and there is a tow path alongside the river that takes the visitor for miles.
In the area opposite the abbey, there is a green, again next to the river, and here there is alays room to picnic, and parking is easily and freely available.
If you are coming to Brittany for a holiday, this spot is one that has something to offer for everyone, not just those who like history. Travel by car, bike or motorcycle is necessary as public transport in this area is non existant, although to my mind, that is probably one of the reasons that the abbey retains its calm, and has so much to offer.
As you can see by the photo, the abbey has a long way to go before it is finished, and the architecture is amazing, even though the restauration is not finished.
I have watched the progress on the restoration of the Abbey over the last ten years, and each year, the Abbey offers more to the public, and one can actually stay in the Abbey Hotel next door and have amazing views over the river. The hotel is also very family friendly, though the restaurant is a little on the expensive side, although most visitors eat in local creperies, or take part in picnics across the river.
Would I recomment a visit here ?
Having just experienced the Son et Lumiere, or sound and light show in the last weekend, and having picnicked there this lunchtime, I would say that this is one spot that should not be neglected by the visitor to Brittany.
Advantages: To make people aware of a beauty spot. Disadvantages: None.
being is in the order of things, though how honoured you are to be in the presence of such splendour.
From the Liscuis, you can look down into the valley towards the Abbey of BonRepos, and once a year they have a celebration of light and sound, and all the fireworks, the pomp and the circumstance can be seen from the very hill where stands the liscuis, and where live the Corrigans.
If you ever have a chance to visit this part of the world, then it will astound you. It's beauty is beyond belief. Early mornings, the mists rise and within a space of around an hour, the scene is transformed from dusk to daylight.
Often, I sit on a rock at the top of the valley, where they have carved out over the years a pathway for walkers and I feel nearer to God there than I used to on Dartmoor many moons ago. The vastness, the silence punctuated ...
thingywhatsit 16.06.2004 (21.04.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Liscuis de Laniscat
Advantages: A wonderful opportunity to enjoy peace and tranquility. Disadvantages: Perhaps not wild enough for those wishing for night life.
are rather interesting. There are three main markets, one being at Mur de Bretagne on a Friday evening, one being at Cleguerec on a Wednesday evening and a very congenial market on a Sunday morning at BonReposAbbey, all offering local ware, and artisanal gifts and craftwork.
The wildlife of the Forest area around the lake is amazing. First thing in the morning, you can see the deer, wild rabbits and hares are rampant, and foxes and squirrels at peace and seemingly unafraid. Even the little field voles take a familiar daily path, and can be seen by the more observant of watchers. Birdwatching is popular in the area, as closeness to nature is stunning. What I also like is that in the more commercial areas around the lake, areas have been examined, the local flora and fauna studied and areas have been put aside for the protection of rare ...
Advantages: Clean, wholesome and accommodating Disadvantages: Wasps. And bees.
and still have a grudge about the Napoleonic wars. I was stung twice in half-an-hour.
To be honest I haven't been to any other parts of the actual lake. These two locations took up about 4 days of our holiday and really entertained the kids. They were well catered for. We did visit BonRepos on the river that exits the lake in the West which has a medieval abbey and a rather nice market. It has a old French feel and is worth a visit too. The people in this area were very pleasant and accommodating. They are used to a multinational tourism and know the ropes.
If you're in the area, this will certainly be one of the places you visit and with kids it's a godsend - there are only so many markets they can tolerate.
Summary: Great for the area. In fact - all there is in the area. ...
dhillcrest 08.12.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mur de Bretagne
