©Thibault Poriel

The Peniti Chapel

The Peniti website

Known as the chapel of Saint-Maudez or Peniti (penitence), it was built in the 18th century. Like many chapels in the region, this rectangular structure with a canted chevet is built at the top of an escarpment.

A bread oven and a fountain have been rebuilt in the same style as the chapel. The water from the fountain was said to help children walk.

The Peniti chapel

The chapel of Saint-Maudez or Peniti (penitence) was built in the 18th century. Like many chapels in the region, this rectangular structure with a canted chevet is built at the top of an escarpment.

Inside, 14 frescoes depict 3 Rosary beads. They were painted by Victoire Conen de Saint-Luc, a nun who was guillotined in 1794 at the age of 33.

The frescoes

The 14 frescoes represent the 3 Rosary beads.
On the wall to the left of the entrance, starting at the back:

  • The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary

The Visitation: the Virgin Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth

The Nativity: the birth of Jesus in the cave of Bethlehem

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

The Recovering of Jesus in the Temple

  • The Sorrowful Mysteries

The agony of Jesus in Gethsemane

The scourging of Jesus

(Priori the Coronation of Thorns is not represented)

The carrying of the Cross

Jesus is crucified and dies on the Cross.

  • The Glorious Mysteries :

The Resurrection of Jesus

The Ascension of the Lord into heaven

The descent of the Holy Spirit into the Upper Room

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

Mary is crowned Queen of heaven and earth.

–> The chapel is private and closed to the public.

The green theatre of Peniti

An essential part of forest life, the Théâtre de Verdure de Peniti hosts a variety of events, mainly in fine weather. Renowned groups such as Bagad Kemper, Red Cardell and Les Eostiged Ar Stangala have performed and continue to perform here every year.

Video of Peniti

The events on offer include

  • Les Nuits Celtiques de Peniti. Celtic music and dance performances. Every Wednesday in July and August, at 9pm. Free admission.
  • Jazz in the Forest. Jazz concerts in July. Free admission.
  • Aux Rythmes du Monde. World music concert in August. Free admission.
  • Cherry Festival. Traditional Breton festival.