ABBAYE DE MELLERAY

Abbey founded in 1183 and bordered by a 6-hectare pond.

A place of silence and prayer. In 2015, the Cistercian monks handed over the abbey to the Chemin Neuf community, who now live and pray here. A 12th-century church featuring recumbent statues and acoustic vases, an 18th-century building with a grand staircase and listed reception rooms, and a 19th-century cloister.

Every month, the abbey opens its doors for historical tours and farm tours (information and bookings by telephone on 02 40 28 20 90 via the Châteaubriant Tourist Office).

Programme for the European Heritage Days from 19 to 20 September 2026 at Melleray Abbey

From 2 pm to 7 pm, the Abbey is open to the public free of charge and offers the following activities:

Historical guided tour: (Re)discover Melleray Abbey through little-known anecdotes!
Guided tour of the farm: (Re)discover the site’s agricultural past and contemplate its present.
Film about the Abbey’s history: (Re)watch *Dans les pas des moines* (In the Monks’ Footsteps), a film from 2015.
Short film about the Abbey: Watch *AD EXTRA*, a documentary from 2026.
Art exhibition: Admire the artefacts, paintings and sculptures on display for the occasion.
Photography exhibition: Notice the differences between the daily lives of the monks and those of the Chemin Neuf Community.
Activities for children… and adults too! Come and have fun taking part in the activities and games on offer.
Tasting of the Abbey’s produce: Sample the varied flavours of the juices, jams and honeys made on site!

Self-guided discovery tour: Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 3 pm to 6 pm