Heritage TourSaint Michel ChapelRochefort-en-Terre

Saint Michel Chapel

The chapel’s origins date back to the 17th century, as evidenced by the 1670 bell. Its location is no coincidence, as it was decided to erect it on the site of the former priory of Saint-Michel de la Grêle priory, dating from the 11th century, subordinate to the Benedictine abbey of Redon and partly financed by the lords of Rochefort, thus reinforcing its symbolic power.

Destroyed in the 17th century, its reconstruction began in 1914, but was halted by the war and only resumed when the soldiers returned home.

Getting there

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Christine Meha Rochefort En Terre
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Sarah Chajari - L'Atelier du canal

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Marie Paule Le Blay Rochefort En Terre
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Mairie Rochefort-en-Terre

What residents say

Christine and Marie-Paule

Immerse yourself with Christine in the fervor of the August 15th Procession, a tradition still very much alive in Rochefort-en-Terre.

Marie-Paule tells us about an earlier time, when oxen and pigs were displayed in the square (only in french).

capsule-la place saint michel et le champs de foire. Date de sortie : 2024.

The founding of priories in Rochefort

The priory of Saint-Michel de la Grêle was founded in the 11th century by Jarnogon de Rochefort, one of the first lords of Rochefort, on the site of the chapel of Saint-Michel.It depended on the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Sauveur de Redon, one of the most powerful in Brittany. Jarnogon de Rochefort’s endowment included a house, the Nouveau Bourg tenant farm and the right to fish in its pond. The Revolution led to the abolition of the dimes and the disappearance of the property.

Another priory dedicated to Madeleine de la Montjoie was also founded by the first lords of Rochefort further north, in the commune of Malansac. It depended on Marmoutier Abbey.

The establishment of these priories demonstrates the determination of the first lords to make Rochefort a powerful medieval city.

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Chapelle St Michel Rochefort En Terre Pardon
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Inès Chopard

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Procession Pardon Nd De La Tronchaye Rochefort En Terre

The Grand Pardon celebration

Every year in mid-August, the faithful gather for the Grand Pardon de Notre-Dame de la Tronchaye in Rochefort-en-Terre.

The procession, with the cross, statue of the Virgin and banners, leaves the church, crosses the village and arrives at the chapel of Saint Michel, where a pontifical mass is celebrated. The loggia, added at the beginning of the 20th century, is used for open-air services.

The Pardon’s origins lie in a young shepherdess’s discovery, in a tree trunk, of a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary with child, breast-feeding. Every year, the Pardon attracts devotees from the local area and far beyond !

Pardons are important events in the religious life of Brittany. Attached to holy places such as chapels, churches, oratories and fountains, they call the faithful to prayer and meditation.

Le Champ de Foire

In 1791, the municipality of Rochefort-en-Terre acquired the esplanade and chapel of Saint Michel, which had been confiscated as national property a few months earlier.

In the 18th century, Rochefort-en-Terre was bustling with two weekly markets and a monthly fair, at which livestock (oxen, pigs, etc.) were sold, as well as agricultural products and local crafts: leather, woollen cloth, etc. Until the middle of the 20th century, fairs were held on this esplanade. Their reputation attracted numerous buyers from the surrounding villages.

The former fairground offers a remarkable view of the Grées to the north, while the avenues of trees planted in 1876 provide a majestic backdrop to the Saint Michel chapel.