Brittany’s Valley of Saints 100th statue

When The Breton Saints Go Marching in ... Carnoet. 

First, an exceptional site named in Breton language “Tossen Sant Gweltaz” meaning Hilltop of 

St Gildas, surrounded by an older motte of feudal land, a magnificent chapel classified historic monument, an archaeological site with views stretching out as far as the Monts d'Arrée mountains. The "valley" also has a Gaulish fountain, with waters supposed to cure animals, well, any living beings I guess.

Then, just an ambitious Breton collective project guided by an association created in July 2008 that became quickly a unifying project thanks to some wealthy sponsors, to many individual contributors, since recognized as a "public interest association" with Cultural matters. 

Association purpose: Protection, Discovery and development, Promotion of Breton popular culture heritage dedicated to Celtic Saints through a huge artistic creation, all sculptures carved by contemporary sculptors.
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Dozens of Giants, about four-metre-high Granite Statues of Saints placed on a feudal mound. 

Remarkable sculptures.

Also inspired by Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and the Moai of Easter Island 😏

Their Goal is about 1000 monumental sculptures cut in blocks of Breton granite by the end of the century.
About 80 giants (2016-2017 period) carved megaliths of at least 10 feet or more than 3 meters tall sculptures chiselled from granite blocks are standing high on the horizon.
Through May, Association and artists expect the arrival of the 100th Piece; as patron saint of Cornwall, St Piran, weighs in at 6 tons and is hewn from an 11-ton block of granite measuring about 4 metres high and paying homage to Brittany’s founding saints, to the legacy of Monks who came over from Ireland, Wales or Cornwall.

The Seven founding Saints of Brittany

St Pol Aurelian who fought off a fiery dragon that terrorized the people of Ocismor (St- Pol-de-Léon) he later established a monastery there. St Corentin patron saint of Quimper and of sea food, originally from Ireland, he settled in “Cornouaille” ; Breton Cornwall.
St Tugdwal, originally from Wales patron saint of Treguier. St Patern patron saint of Vannes.
St Brioc patron saint of Saint Brieuc. St Malo patron saint of Saint Malo. and St. Samson patron saint of Dol de Bretagne.
St Gildas, St Brieuc , St Tugdual, St Hernin, St Malo were the first of the stone saints to illustrate the legendary history of Brittany.

Between the 4th and 9th century, thousands of migrants left their Celtic lands of Wales, Ireland, Cornwall or Scotland to move to Brittany France.

Once In the middle of the stone saints, it felt magical and natural. No doubt, millennia
old traditions are still alive…
Last, the idea of this monumental project is not so much about religion, but is about To trace the life history of all those saints, and of course to highlight the importance of Granite to Brittany’s landscape and economy, in other words, to glorify the memory of 1500 years of popular Breton culture and to protect the identity of the region.  And that sounds Good.
The association hopes to attract thousands of visitors and to be considered as a cultural crossroads site. For Sure, it's worth the trip. No doubt, A sight to see 😉

From July 26 to July 29, 2018, the Valley of the Saints will celebrate its Tenth anniversary. 

A Must Do Visit while visiting Brittany Region.

Three days of celebration in which Saint Piran, the 100th statue of the site will be placed on its base, originating from a Breton quarry and carved on the spot.

Marking the union of two countries, Cornwall and Brittany, and their common history in the exploitation of granite.

Note: Statues are funded by sponsors. Become a sponsor or make a donation to help raise around €12,000 needed for each statue.
For SALE:

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