Abandoned Cistercian Monastery in Brittany: Coatmalouen - 18th-century ruins,

Coatmalouen, located in the commune of Kerpert, Côtes-d'Armor, France, was established in the 12th century as part of a European movement to create monasteries. Supported by Breton rulers and promoted by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux with the Charter of Charity (1113), it was founded by monks from Pluskoad in Bégard (1130), the first Cistercian abbey in Brittany. The abbey's history begins on July 27, 1142 according to Chanoine Perennes, or June 25 according to others.

However, it reached its architectural prime in the 18th century. Today, only the 18th-century ruins remain, without a roof, and a majestic façade topped with a triangular fronton. The abbey is situated near Guingamp, on the D 767, in the old parish of Ploegeau, now divided into three communes: Kerpert, Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux, and Saint-Connan. It was listed as a historical monument by decree on April 20, 1964.The early days, the abbey was a hub of faith and spirituality.

Monks would rise early, work for around four hours, dedicate five to six hours to prayers and studies, and sleep on straw mats. Through history, the abbey alternated between difficult and more comfortable periods, with centuries of history taking their toll. The last two monks, Jean Meslays (last Prior) and Augustin Pascal, died on March 3, 1796, at 7 PM.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons