Abbaye Saint Pierre de Solesmes

Mecca of Gregorian chant

Not far from Sablé, Geoffroy le Vieux founded a priory in 1010, which became the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre-de-Solesmes (1837). Overlooking the banks of the Sarthe, this abbey is the Mecca of Gregorian chant. Attending a service sung in the chapel is an unforgettable experience, providing great spiritual and musical thrills. Outside the services, you can admire two groups of statues known as the "Saints of Solesmes". This group is considered to be one of the masterpieces of French sculpture from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. In the reception hall, there is a bookshop and an exhibition on the history and life of the abbey. The shop is open from 9am to 7pm outside liturgical services and meals.