Seven Founder Saints of Brittany

The Seven Founder Saints of Brittany are seven Christian saints who lived around the fifth century, according to the Breton source used here, and by whom, according to tradition, the first seven bishoprics of Brittany were set up. They are usually known as Tudual, Brieuc, Malo, Samson, Paul Aurelian, Corentin and Patern.

In the time of Nevenoe the bishoprics of Rennes and Nantes were added, before the archbishopric of Dol made Brittany an archdiocese. Each episcopal city is said to have been founded by the seven saints.

At Ardeven, in the Vannes region, there is a chapel dedicated to the seven saints, rebuilt around 1980, since when a great religious gathering, the pardon, has been held every year. At Bulat-⁠Pestivien there is a fountain dedicated to the seven saints, built in 1683. Over time the seven saints have been tied to many miracles. In their honour the Bretons established a pilgrimage called the Tro Breizh, that is, the Tour of Brittany.