Welcome to Questembert

Située à l’angle de la rue de la salle et de la rue des halles, c’est l’une des plus anciennes maisons de Questembert puisqu’elle daterait du XVème siècle. Elle abrite désormais l’Office de Tourisme. Jehan Le Guénégo, le possesseur des lieux y tenait une auberge et un important commerce, réunissant toutes les spécialités de l’artisanat local (épicerie, mercerie, vins, draps, cuirs...). Elle a accueilli François II, Duc de Bretagne, une nuit de 1481. Un écusson ducal signifiant que la demeure est placée sous la protection du Duc, atteste sa venue. Il est visible sur le mur qui longe la rue de la salle (au-dessus du garage). A droite de cette bâtisse découvrez une autre belle demeure historique l'Hôtel Belmont.

This building, known as Hôtel Belmont, has held the town’s Tourist Office since 1991. This private home with different beautiful finely crafted skylights dates back to the 15th and 16th century and always belonged to very rich families. It was restored in 2005. Take Rue Saint Michel, turn left, and enter the small garden, where you will find the turret of Hôtel Belmont.

The turret is covered with a very unique 4-sided roof with double arches meeting at the top. The roof’s outside overhang has 2 carved wooden caryatids, representing “Questembert and his wife”. Leave the garden and take Rue du Reliquaire to Place de l’Eglise.

The construction of Saint Pierre Church began in 1863 by Father Gomaud. However, it was not until 33 years later that the structure was completed, finishing with the bell tower. The church was built on the ruins of the ancient Saint Martin du Vertou Church. With beautiful architectural lines and an impressive appearance, the 55-metre bell tower can be seen from neighbouring parishes. Inside, the choir is outfitted with remarkable woodwork, an enormous high altar and organ loft made by the Debierre workshops in Nantes. Go back up to Place René Mulot. Here, you are in front of the Les Halles marketplace.

Located on the former town square, this covered market was built in 1552 by Jérôme De Carné, Earl of Cohignac and creator of the fairs held in Questembert. By fate, it was restored in 1675 by a local entrepreneur named Estienne Charpentier (Estienne Carpenter in English). Les Halles were designed to cover, mark off and control trading areas. The marketplace was a great place to mingle and exchange goods. In the past, drapers, rope makers and shoemakers met here to sell their goods. This was the main activity during old country fairs. Traditional handicraft (canvas, wool, fine linens and leather) was very important in Questembert. Craftsmen having the same profession often lived in the same neighbourhood, even on the same street. Therefore, professional relationships were very easy to make. Streets were often named after certain professions, such as rue de la laine (wool street), rue de la tannerie (tannery street), etc. Les Halles, restored in 1997, have never been used as much as today. It holds a large market on Monday mornings and a market selling regional products on Wednesday evenings as well as flea markets, concerts and other cultural events. Les Halles was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Only four “historical” covered wooden markets have survived in the region of Brittany: Questembert and Le Faouët in Morbihan, Plouescat in Finistère and Clisson in Loire-Atlantique. Now, head towards Place de la Libération, and then Place Gombaud. On the other side of the roundabout, you will find the headstone of Alain le Grand, King of Brittany.

Located on Place Gombaud and built in 1907 by the Union Régionaliste Bretonne (Breton Regionalist Union) for the 1000th anniversary of the death of Alain Le Grand (Alan Meur in Breton), King of Brittany. This 5-metre tall granite headstone commemorates the victory of this Breton leader over the Normans (vikings) in 890. On the western side, you can see the blade of a gladiator’s sword pointing downward, which symbolises the sword of great conqueror. Go back up Rue Lebrun et Malard (between the post office and bakery) and enter the cemetery. Inside, you will find Saint Michel Chapel.

This chapel was built in the mid 15th century, during the reign of the Duke of Brittany François I, where Saint Vincent Ferrier was believed to have preached on 3 March 1418 while staying in Questembert. It was founded by the lords of Rochefort, who had great power and influence in Questembert and surrounding areas at the time. To the left of the chapel, you will find a 15th century stone cross and rectangular sculpture, representing a processional banner. This type of Christian monument is called a “croix bannière” in French and typical to the region of Brittany. In front of the entrance, a large several century-old yew tree seems to protect the tombs of the parish rectors, including Father Mulot, co-founder of the Montfort Fathers congregation, who died during a mission in Questembert in 1749. The chapel was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Restored between 2006 and 2007, it is regularly open to the public (concerts, themed days, etc.). Things to discover nearby: At the end of Rue du Chanoine Niol, the old rectory, washhouse and fountain. The old 15th century rectory is a typical country-style and aristocratic residence of old France (private property). The rectory washhouse resembles a small version of Les Halles. The fountain, made up of three columns, is very unique. The fountain and Saint Martin washhouse are located at the end of Rue St-Martin and Rue de la Fontaine.

Ensemble du XVIème siècle, la fontaine et le lavoir sont en granit régulier entouré d'un muret de pierres. La fontaine ressemble à un petit temple reposant sur de grosses colonnes et surmonté d'un toit en dôme. Une niche est prévue pour la statue du Saint. Le dôme à quatre pans surplombant la fontaine ne rappelle en rien les trois torses de la fontaine du vieux Presbytère. Nichés dans la verdure, cette fontaine et ce lavoir évoquent l’activité des lavandières.

Le vieux Presbytère daterait, au moins, du XVème siècle et de nombreux recteurs s’y sont succédés jusqu’en 1793. Réquisitionné sous la Révolution pour servir de caserne à une garnison républicaine, il fut aussitôt incendié par les Chouans. Mis aux enchères en 1977, il fut totalement restauré et embelli. Il est typique des demeures campagnardes et aristocratiques de la Vieille France (propriété privée). Le lavoir du Presbytère fait penser, en dimensions réduites, aux Halles du centre. Autrefois, les lavoirs étaient des lieux d’échanges et de rencontres réservés aux femmes. La fontaine, avec ses trois torses, est plutôt originale.