The association is run by the Association la Vallée des Saints, which was set up in July 2008 and is recognised as being of general cultural interest (3 rescripts).
obtained since 2009). The association is managed by 18 volunteer administrators with very different and complementary backgrounds.
In 2024, over a hundred volunteers devoted more than 4,150 hours to the Association. Each stakeholder shares the common values and commitments set out in a charter.
Governance based on the general interest
The Association is committed to protecting the natural character of the site and its unique beauty. First and foremost, the site must remain untouched by advertising hoardings or any other type of signage. From the outset, the Association has been committed to an eco-responsible granite supply chain. It is a founder member of the Granit de Bretagne Geographical Indication, which it uses exclusively on the site and promotes and develops beyond. It recycles granite off-cuts from the sculpture site to make benches and for landscaping on the site.
In 2023, the Association undertook a project to enhance the site’s heritage of yew, oak and ash trees. It also planted 450 trees and shrubs as part of the new development of the site. In 2024, the Association and landscape architect Michel Gerest have joined forces to co-create a 4-hectare garden that will be awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label.
The Association’s aim is to carry out projects on the site that are above all respectful of the environment: eco-construction, development of the Voaz-Venn, a tributary of the Aulne that rises on the Vallée des Saints site.
The four values of La Vallée des Saints
Taking root
This is one of the founding values of the Vallée des Saints. This evolving project cannot be conceived of in isolation from its matrix, Brittany. Being rooted to better understand the future is a foundation for those who have faith in the future.
Inspiration
This is a dimension of the Valley of the Saints that speaks to the heart and soul as much as to the mind.
Accessibility
The Valley of the Saints is an open place, in every sense of the word; easily accessible, its message is designed to be understood by all who enter the site.
Freedom
The Valley of the Saints is a place where creative freedom is expressed, but also the freedom to think and to think about oneself.
The Valley of the Saints is committed to...
To express, through emotion, visual aesthetics and the preservation of an exceptional site, an inspiring vision of Brittany and its spirituality, a blend of mystery, legends and humility in the face of the forces of the universe.
To be the face of the Breton soul, and to see itself as a place where people can meet, reunite and exchange ideas in the heart of the peninsula. Its ambition is to become a place of testimony for those who want to draw on the source of myths, dreams and history.
Play a unifying role for its region. Closely connected to its environment, it has a vocation to cooperate in its cultural and economic development.
Its aimis to reflect the founding pages of Brittany’shistory and to give the people of Brittany, strengthened by their values, the means to project themselves into the future. As a place of transmission, it is deploying a genuine cultural and educational project on the Carnoët site.
Key dates
2008
July: creation of the Vallée des Saints Association by Philippe Abjean, Sébastien Minguy and Philippe Hajas
2009
February: the Association is recognised as being of general cultural interest. Official commitment from UNICEM Bretagne and the granite quarries.
July: first sculpture site in Saint-Pol-de-Léon (29) with the 7 founding saints.
October: the town of Carnoët (22) is chosen as the site for the project.
2010
First developments on the site (renovation
creation of a sculpture site, etc.).
2018
July: installation of the 100th statue, celebration of the Association’s 10th anniversary and inauguration of the new reception facilities (€1.2m investment).
2021
Installation of the 155th statue and launch of an investment programme (€4m investment) including the construction of
a teaching centre for monumental granite sculpture, new car parks, a village square and an interpretation centre.
2022
Sponsorship operation in connection with the second Valley of Saints in the World, located in Lebanon, and creation of a monumental work bearing the effigy of Saint Charbel.
2023
Development of a new landscaped car park (450 trees and shrubs planted), an immersive connecting path, a monumental entrance, a gallery of artists’ portraits, a reception area for soft mobility and a drop-off point (€1.2m investment).
2024
Creation of a monumental sculpted fountain thanks to sponsorship from the Fondation pour la vitalité artistique AG2R LA MONDIALE.
2025
Inauguration of the 200th statue.
Sustainable finance
The financial model of the Valley of the Saints is based on free visits. The Association has adopted the principle of free admission in order to offer a welcome to as many people as possible. Since its creation, the Association has financed its project mainly through donations and voluntary work.
It has a socially responsible financial model that supports the creation of Europe’s first teaching centre for monumental granite sculpture, an artistic creation space in a rural regeneration zone, and a remarkable landscaped area.