Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Abbey of the Joie-Notre-Dame is a Cistercian abbey founded in 1953 in Campénéac, Brittany, near the forest of Paimpont. She succeeded a first installation at Sainte-Anne-d'Auray in 1920, considered too small for the community. The nuns, originally from the abbey of Notre-Dame de la Coudre de Laval, adopted this site after the acquisition of the estate of La Ville Aubert by the monks of Timadeuc, who built the current monastery.

The name of the abbey pays tribute to the former Abbey La Joye d'Hennebont, founded in 1260 by Blanche de Navarre, Countess of Champagne and wife of John I, Duke of Brittany, who disappeared during the French Revolution. The Campeneac community, under the spiritual supervision of Timadeuc Abbey, has developed craft activities such as the manufacture of Breton cakes, chocolates and, until 1994, raw milk cheese.

Since its founding, the abbey has experienced several notable abbesses, including Mr. Lutgarde Masson, who twice led the community (1938-1941 and 1942-1954). In 2021, Mr. Soazig Connan was the abbess. The Joie-Notre-Dame also swarmed in Madagascar with the foundation of the Abbey of Our Lady of Ampibanjinana, still linked to Timadeuc.

The nuns live according to the Cistercian rule, combining prayer, work and welcome. Their craft production, sold on site or online, contributes to the abbey's reputation. The site, open to the public for retreats or visits, remains a place of spirituality and heritage living in Brittany.

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