Prieuré Saint Etienne, one of France’s oldest priories
The Prieuré Saint Étienne is located near the village of Guer, in the heart of Brittany.
It now stands on the edge of the legendary Forêt de Brocéliande, surrounded by farmland and pastures.
The priory was built in 1140, and like most religious buildings, on the site of an earlier Gallo-Roman temple. Stone blocks from this ancient structure were indeed reused in the walls of the chapel, which is therefore considered the oldest known chapel in the département of Morbihan.
This chapel may appear modest at first glance, but it holds a remarkable religious and architectural heritage.
Architectural and religious heritage
Indeed, the church of the Prieuré Saint Étienne boasts 15th-century murals, a 17th-century altarpiece and a statue of Saint Stephen, as well as a 13th-century statue of Saint Onnène!
The architectural structure underwent significant modifications at the beginning of the 15th century, including a complete repainting of the nave walls.
Further renovations were undertaken in the 1630s under the direction of Abbot Guillaume Provost: the installation of new windows, a bell tower, a new altar, and the restoration of the priory’s former living quarters.
The commemorative plaque, engraved in 1633, which was affixed to the wall near the priory entrance, is still visible.
The priory was converted into a farm at the beginning of the 18th century.
Sadly, lack of maintenance led to its gradual deterioration, which was then exacerbated by the French Revolution.
The chapel and priory were indeed confiscated and sold as national property, and the chapel was even converted into a barn.
Fortunately, both buildings have since been listed as historical monuments and underwent a complete restoration in 2011-2012.
Although the chapel is now open to the public, access is limited to the summer months.
The other sites of the magical Forêt de Brocéliande
Tombeau de Merlin, Fontaine de Jouvence, Chêne des Hindrés, Château de Comper, Chêne d‘Eon or Chêne à Guillotin, Fontaine de Barenton, Jardin aux Moines, Eglise du Graal in Tréhorenteuc, Miroir aux Fées and Arbre d’Or in the Val Sans Retour, Hostié de Viviane or Tombeau des Druides, Tombeau des Géants ou Roche à la Vieille, Abbey of Paimpont, Forges de Paimpont and Pierres Droites
Department of Morbihan
Directions: From Guer, follow D772 towards Augan-Ploërmel for 3km then turn left on a country lane marked to Prieure Saint Etienne.
Coordinates: Lat 47.903827 – Long -2.171323
