Popinettes Trail, Questembert

Both the 16th century fountain and washhouse are made of regular granite surrounded by a small stone wall. The fountain looks like a small temple sitting large columns and topped with a domed roof. A small alcove was built for the Saint's statue.

Take the pedestrian crossing towards Célac pond. Walk around it on the left and climb up towards the campsite entrance. Go straight until you come to the Fountain of Hulo, further down the RD. Go around the campsite and continue through the moorland of Kerjumais. Cross RD1 towards the playing fields of Galinio. Continue close to the orchard and go down through the woods via a nice hollow way.

The first chapel was built by the monastic community of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem during the 12th century and under the control of Carentoir like the chapels of Gorvello, Molac and Guerno. It was restored in the 18th century and decorated with a Classical-style pediment on the main door.

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.

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.

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.

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.