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Key figures

Origin and history

The Sainte-Anne Chapel, also known as the Saint-Buc Chapel, is a Catholic religious building located at Minihic-sur-Rance in Ille-et-Vilaine. Rebuilt in 1660 at the initiative of the owners of the Manor of Saint-Buc, it replaces an old chapel with a bell dated 1631. On a rectangular plane, it is distinguished by its square bell tower topped by a dome and its oculus on the façade. It has been a municipal property since 1988 and was restored after decades of degradation and then listed as a historical monument in 1982.

The chapel was originally a private dependency of the Manor House of Saint-Buc, serving as a place of worship for local lords and the population. In 1676 Michel Lucas instituted a weekly mass there by will. In the 20th century, its use was limited to the employer holidays of Sainte-Anne (26 July) and Saint-Joseph (19 March). Since its restoration, it has hosted exhibitions, concerts and summer conferences, hosted by the Association de la Chapelle Saint Buc.

The interior houses a 17th–15th century altarpiece, adorned with 19th-century terracotta statues and a Descent of the Cross inspired by Annibale C torches. The panel of the choir, commissioned in 1788 by the Hays, the Malouin shipowners, testify to the influence of the local elites. The chapel also preserves a bell of 1631, a fine granite altar and modern stained glass windows signed by Louis-René Petit. Two annual pilgrimages perpetuate his religious vocation.

The site, located at the corner of D114 and Rue Sainte-Anne, facing the Manor House of Saint-Buc, illustrates Breton religious architecture of the 17th century. Its enclosure, typical of rural chapels, makes it a remarkable example of the cultural heritage of Ille-et-Vilaine. The municipality and the local association work to preserve it, while making it a place for cultural life, especially during Heritage Days.

Louis-Joseph Lebret, an economist and Dominican priest born in Minihic, celebrated his Masses there during his stay. This link with an intellectual figure of the twentieth century adds a historical and social dimension to the chapel, beyond its religious role. Today, its summer opening and animations make it an attractive hub for visitors and residents.

The Sainte-Anne Chapel thus embodies the duality between sacred heritage and cultural space, while remaining rooted in local collective memory. Its inscription in historical monuments and its associative management guarantee its transmission to future generations, while valuing the religious and architectural history of Brittany.

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