A trip back in time, with a rich religious heritage to discover
During the summer, the Bon Sauveur cultural association offers 1h30 visits during which its members, who are incredibly passionate about their subject, tell stories - both great and small - of this classic monastic complex. The abbey, built of granite and constructed in the medieval style, has many surprises and anecdotes in store for the visitor.
A psychiatric hospital for women
In 1857, a group of nuns from Caen arrived in Bégard and took possession of the former Cistercian abbey. Their aim was to establish a community and to create an orphanage and asylum for female patients with mental health issues. The orphanage opened its doors a few days later, followed by a private asylum accommodating 100 female patients.
In time, the orphanage became a school and the asylum developed into a private mental health hospital. Today, the patients - both male and female - are cared for by the Fondation Bon Sauveur, and the nuns’ former practice of confining patients has long disappeared. The great abbey building no longer houses patients or nuns, but remains a place steeped in history, once home to 120 nuns and 1000 female patients.
A place of memory
History reveals itself to us through rooms, objects and all manner of things. During the visit, see the chapels used by the nuns and the patients and make sure to visit the organ loft to discover a remarkable instrument manufactured by the famous firm of Cavaillé-Coll. You might even play a few notes!
Take a walk through the closed cloister dating from 1888 and its magnificent outdoor garden, which has recently been redesigned. Finally, end your visit in the memorial room. Here there is a Henry Lepaute clock, restored with its original coat of arms, as well as capes worn by the nuns, patient registers, medical notes and a whole host of other historical objects. After your visit, you’ll know everything - or almost - about Bon Sauveur Abbey.
(© Text by Publihebdos)
