Site regulations

1. General authorisation

• Photographs and videos may be taken on the entire La Vallée des Saints site (statues, feudal mound, chapel, landscapes) for personal use (souvenirs, private sharing).
• Visitors may immortalise the statues and the environment to document their visit, while respecting the cultural and spiritual setting of the site.

2. Specific restrictions

• Prohibition on complete recordings : Although the statues are fixed works of art, it is forbidden to produce video recordings or series of photos designed to reproduce the entire site (e.g. complete digital reconstruction) without authorisation. This protects the intellectual property of the sculptors and the Association de la Vallée des Saints.
• Ban on drones : The use of drones for filming or photography is strictly forbidden, for reasons of safety, respect for other visitors, their right to an image and preservation of the heritage (feudal motte, listed chapel).
• Respect for heritage sites: The 15th-century chapel is listed as a Historic Monument and is not managed directly by the La Vallée des Saints Association. However, photos/videos inside the chapel (if accessible) must be taken without flash in order to preserve the site. Please respect guided tours or moments of meditation.

3. Intellectual property of the statues

• The statues, created by some forty artist-sculptors, are works protected by copyright provisions (Intellectual Property Code). They embody the cultural identity of Brittany and are financed by patrons.
• Photos and videos are authorised for personal use, but any reproduction or distribution for commercial purposes (e.g. sale of prints, use in advertising) is prohibited without the written agreement of theAssociation de la Vallée des Saints and, where applicable, the sculptors concerned.
• Link with article 4 of the Association’s Articles of Association : Any use of images from the site in an advertising context (e.g. promotional campaigns, posters, digital content for commercial purposes) is considered to be a form of “advertising” and requires prior approval from the Board of Directors, in accordance with article 4. This includes the use of images of the statues in promotional material, even digital, without explicit authorisation.

4.Personal image rights.

• Visitors: Please respect the privacy of other visitors. Avoid publicly distributing (e.g. on social networks) images in which people are identifiable without their consent, in accordance with image rights (article 9 of the French Civil Code).
• Sculptors, guides and volunteers : Sculptors at work (visible during sculpture projects), tour guides or volunteers at events (e.g. markets, “storytelling” tours, etc.) are entitled to protection of their image. Photos/videos for personal use are tolerated, but their distribution or use for professional purposes requires specific authorisation from the people concerned.
• Events : During events, participants may be photographed as part of the event, but any public distribution of these photos must respect their image rights.

5. Public use (social networks, blogs, etc)

• The sharing of photos or videos on public platforms (Instagram, YouTube, blogs, Facebook, etc.) is authorised for non-commercial use, provided that :

• • Images/videos focus on the statues, the site or the general atmosphere, without including identifiable people without their consent.
  • Publications respect the artistic, cultural and spiritual spirit of the site, without distorting its identity (e.g. avoid inappropriate editing).
  • Video extracts must be short (e.g. 10-30 seconds) and must not attempt to reproduce a complete visit.

• Link with article 4 of the Association’s Articles of Association : Publications on social networks must not serve as a medium for disguised advertising (e.g. promotion of a brand or product using the statues as a backdrop). Any publication of a promotional nature, even on personal platforms, may be considered a form of “advertising” and requires the approval of the Board of Directors if it goes beyond simply sharing memories.
• The association may request the removal of content that infringes copyright, damages the site’s image or contravenes article 4.

6. Authorisations for professional use

• Any use of images or videos for professional purposes (reports, documentaries, artistic projects, media) requires prior authorisation from the Board of Directors of theVallée des Saints Association. Contact: lavalleedessaints.com or the contact form.
• Requests must specify the objective, medium and scope of the project. The association may impose conditions (e.g. mention of the site, restrictions on the statues used) or consult the sculptors for specific uses.
• Link with article 4 of the Association’s Articles of Association : Any project involving the use of images in an advertising context (e.g. tourist promotion campaign, media display) must be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval, in accordance with the ban on unauthorised advertising on the site.

7.Application of the rules

• As the site is freely accessible 24 hours a day, control is the responsibility of visitors. However :
  • During guided tours or events, staff (guides, volunteers) may remind visitors of the rules, particularly in the event of inappropriate use (e.g. drones, disruptive photography).
  • Information on good photographic practice is available at thereception and gift shop.
• In the event of infringement of copyright, damage to the site’s image or failure to comply with article 4 (e.g. unauthorised use for advertising purposes), the Association may request that the content be removed or take legal action.

8.Practical advice

• Respect the site: Take your photos/videos without disturbing the environment.
• Equipment: Tripods or selfie poles are tolerated, but must be discreet. Bulky professional equipment may require authorisation if its use appears professional.
• Interactive application: The “Make the statues talk” application enriches your photos with information about each statue, ideal for contextualised publications.
• Guided tours: If you are taking part in a guided tour, check with the guide for any specific restrictions on photos/videos.
• Accessibility: The dirt path around the statues is partially accessible to wheelchair users. Please do not block these paths with your equipment.