Couvent des Cordeliers’ origin
The Couvent des Cordeliers is one of the emblematic monuments of the medieval city of Dinan, although only a few vestiges of its past splendour remain today.
Founded by the Franciscans (or Cordeliers) in 1241, the monastery was initially endowed with lands bequeathed by Henri d’Avaugour, lord of Dinan, upon his return from the Crusades. Henri d’Avaugour later entered the Franciscan Order and spent the rest of his life in the Couvent des Cordeliers. After his death, his son achieved the construction of the monastery. Several generations of lords of Dinan were buried in the church of the Couvent des Cordeliers.
In the 14th century, Charles of Blois contributed significantly to the monastery’s expansion through generous bequests. In the 15th century, the Cordeliers had thus raised the necessary funds to reconstruct the convent, beginning with the monumental Gothic porch, which today opens onto the Place des Cordeliers.
Sadly, the Couvent des Cordeliers closed its doors in 1791 and became state property during the French Revolution. The church was converted into a barracks in 1796 and was demolished, along with most of the monastery, at the end of the 19th century. Today, only the cloister, the courtyard and the Gothic porch remain.
Restoration
The preservation and restoration of the Couvent des Cordeliers owes much to the interest of Abbot Berthier, parish priest of the nearby SSaint-Malo Church.
Recognising its historical importance, he acquired the remains in 1807 and undertook a vast restoration project. Under the direction of the architect Le Guerrannic, the restoration work encompassed the cloister gallery, the old refectory, the chapter house, the impressive 15th-century vaulted portal, and the plans for the current chapel. The foundation stone was laid on June 4, 1901, but the chapel was finally consecrated on May 22, 1937!
In 1804, the monastic buildings were converted into a private school, the Collège des Cordeliers. The magnificent 15th-century vaulted porch, a listed historical monument, remains the main entrance to the college. It miraculously survived the fire that ravaged the Place des Cordeliers in February 1907.
The Rue de l’Apport connects the Place des Cordeliers to the Place des Merciers, providing access to the historic heart of Dinan.
Department of Côtes d’Armor
Coordinates: Lat 48.454264 – Long -2.04472
