Discover Carnac with Le Churchill

‘I am in a magnificent untamed land, a formidable heap of rocks and an incredible sea of colour’. Letter to Caillebotte, 11 October 1886 Claude Monet stayed at Belle-Île from 12 September to 25 November 1886. The self-portrait he painted that year shows him in the fullness of his maturity: he would turn 46 on 14 November. He starts to become known and appreciated. While lodging at Kervilahouen, he left us 75 letters that offer a window into his daily life and the conditions in which he worked. Along the coast you may find the different spots where he set his easel by following any of the suggested loop hikes, from Lion Rock to Port-Domois.

‘I am in a magnificent untamed land, a formidable heap of rocks and an incredible sea of colour’. Letter to Caillebotte, 11 October 1886 Claude Monet stayed at Belle-Île from 12 September to 25 November 1886. The self-portrait he painted that year shows him in the fullness of his maturity: he would turn 46 on 14 November. He starts to become known and appreciated. While lodging at Kervilahouen, he left us 75 letters that offer a window into his daily life and the conditions in which he worked. Along the coast you may find the different spots where he set his easel by following any of the suggested loop hikes, from Lion Rock to Port-Domois.

‘I am in a magnificent untamed land, a formidable heap of rocks and an incredible sea of colour’. Letter to Caillebotte, 11 October 1886 Claude Monet stayed at Belle-Île from 12 September to 25 November 1886. The self-portrait he painted that year shows him in the fullness of his maturity: he would turn 46 on 14 November. He starts to become known and appreciated. While lodging at Kervilahouen, he left us 75 letters that offer a window into his daily life and the conditions in which he worked. Along the coast you may find the different spots where he set his easel by following any of the suggested loop hikes, from Port-Domois to Lion Rock.

Awarded 4 flowers by Village Fleuri, the town of La Vraie-Croix is also known for winning the Grand Prix National du Fleurissement (an award given out every year to one or several villages in France with 4 flowers), and the Prix Européen du Fleurissement (for all of Europe). It is also invited to attend the Floralies International, a prestigious floral event held in Nantes in May 2014. La Vraie-Croix was formerly known as Langroez and used as a resting place for the Knights of Malta during the Crusades.

This town is named after the sweet chestnut tree. In the Breton language, it is called Kisten Berh, which means “land of the chestnuts”. In the 12th century, the name “Questembert” was found in writing; however, over time, the spelling changed.

The name "Questembert" comes from the Breton word "Kisten Berh", which means "Land of Chestnuts". Near the centre of town, this trail takes you along the hollow ways towards the creek of Cohignac and then St John's Chapel. In springtime, asphodels bloom on the banks and in the woods, showing off their elongated stems and handsome spikes of white flowers. They are locally known as "popinettes", hence the name of the trail. From this trail, you can reach Berric by following the marked paths (3km). Yellow marks

To the north of Questembert, the town of Molac is perched on a hill overlooking the Valley of Arz. The town's architectural heritage reflects its history, which is thousands of years old. The trail heads toward the River Arz and takes the Voie Verte (Green Lane), the old railway. It crosses the Grées (shale-like hills) of Lindeul. Finally, it penetrates the vast forest of Lanvaux. Please follow the yellow marks.

Rochefort-en-Terre is very lucky to have a rich architectural heritage. Thanks to the local government’s desire to maintain and protect the site, this village is now classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (an award honouring the remarkable architectural heritage and landscape of small villages in France). Rochefort-en-Terre is also part of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and Villes Fleuris (an award recognising a town’s respect for the environment, protection of a social and community network, and quality of its tourist facilities) with four flowers thanks to the combined efforts by the community and residents. Starting from Place du Puits, take Rue des Scourtets, and then, Chemin des Douves, located to your right. Walk along the strongholds and fortifications built during the 14th and 16th centuries.

This long loop passes through large wooded areas of oak and chestnut trees, including the Grand Val at the bottom of which flows Matz Creek. It leads to the Valley of Trévelo Creek, which separates the towns of Caden and Limerzel.

The jardin de curé (kitchen garden) is made up of four square vegetable beds edged with boxwood (sign of eternity). Beds were also placed along stone walls. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and medicinal plants are all grown together in order make the most out of these kitchen gardens. A learning garden was also set up here. Things to discover nearby: Public fountain At the edge of town, the fountain takes on a very monumental aspect. It is surrounded by a stone wall. Its basin is sheltered underneath a platform supported by four small columns.

The building situated in front of the chapel is the old rectory. Here, Rector Tanguy set up a carpentry workshop where he made the woodwork for the current church (1891-1892). Once connected to the chapel, the building now holds the multimedia library, renovated in 2012 with a new green roof, which overlooks the adjacent jardin de curé (kitchen garden).

The chapel is the town’s most unusual monument and located above a public road. Legend has it that a knight, coming back from the Crusades, carried a real piece of Christ’s cross. After stopping in the village of Hôpital, the knight fell asleep at the foot of a hawthorn. When he woke up, he realised that the piece of the cross had been stolen from him. He left the village without ever finding it. Shortly after, the people of the village noticed, at the top of a hawthorn, a crow’s nest lit with a supernatural light: the light came from the piece of the cross. The piece was brought to the church; however, it disappeared the following night. It was found once again in the crow’s nest. The people decided to build a chapel here with the choir located in the same place where the fragment of Christ’s cross had been found. A reliquary cross holding the piece of cross is kept inside the southern transept. The granite chapel dates back to the 16th century; however, it was restored at the end of the 20th century (1974-1986) by Bâtiments de France. The chapel, along with the crypt, were both classified as Historical Monuments in 1926. The chapel was built above a one-way public road, going from the square towards the street. This particular location allows pilgrims to pass underneath the relic situated in the upper chapel. An archway, located on the eastern side, overlooks a type of vaulted crypt lit by two stained glass windows. The altar from Saint Just chapel (located about 3km away from the village) is situated here, along with a statue of Mary, font and lintel. On the opposite side, a similar archway holds a beautiful portal made of four pointed arches. Previously, this solemn entrance lead to a staircase, which climbed to the upper floor. The chapel also has another defining feature: two staircases on each side of the upper chapel, allowing pilgrims to easily come and venerate the relic. The panelled vault is painted sky blue and dotted with gold stars. The choir, marked off by a wrought iron gate, is completely covered with carved wooden panels. The altar has the same decorative design. The pews are covered in plant motifs. The entire decor was created by Rector Tanguy, who also did all of the church’s woodwork. The two stained glass windows on either side of the choir illustrate the legend of the relic in the nest and the reliquary of La Vraie-Croix. Turn around and you can see the reliquary cross kept inside the southern transept. It contains a piece of Christ’s cross. It is only 20cm high; however, it is a true cross-shaped masterpiece made of bronze and silver with a wooden core.

The story and name of the town are linked with this tall chapel, which was originally built to house a relic of Christ's real cross. The chapel is classified as a Historical Monument.

This building, with a turret at the rear, was used as a dairy during the 1950s before being turned into housing and assembly rooms. During the 12th and 13th centuries, it was home to the monks of St John of Jerusalem, whose mission was to welcome and care for pilgrims travelling to The Way of Saint James or Jerusalem.

Previously, another church, whose patron saint was Saint Sauveur and Saint John the Baptist, was found here. In the late 19th century, it was destroyed and replaced by the current church kept by Saint Isidore, the patron saint of farmers. The nave and tower were built by Rector Tanguy between 1891 and 1892. He also made the woodwork, side altars, confessionals, pulpit and tribune. The new building was solemnly blessed on 25 June 1893. The right altarpiece was restored in 2012.

The fountain is shaped like a small temple with four columns covered by a stone roof, giving it a monumental appearance. It is a beautiful example of a structure built during the 16th century in Brittany. It is classified as a Historical Monument. The fountain is surrounded by concrete slabs. In front, a basin that was used as a washing place.

To the left of the path, a rocky cliff towers over the creek of Ferrières. One of the rocks overlooks the hillside. A large block sits at the top with rounded basins and rills hollowed in the granite. Legend has it that it was a place of human sacrifice and that the blood of the victims flowed like a waterfall down the rock.

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 in the historic part of town this crêperie has traditional cuisine on offer: crêpes, galettes and salads.

Welcome to this Crêperie with its pretty terrace and warm ambiance. On offer is traditional cuisine not only crêpes and galettes but also salads, local produce, homemade ice-cream and sorbets...

Welcome to the warm and friendly ambiance of Le Transat Café located in the very centre of Piriac. Great place for a break with friends or family. Just across the road is the annex ‘le café rouge’ – you’ll find the same friendly atmosphere here too !

This bar with its many events organised in summer time is located on the port with a beautiful view over the sea. An ideal venue for a break with friends or with family.

Located on the port of Piriac the staff of La Vigie extends a warm welcome to you to this restaurant with its pleasant setting and rich colours. La brasserie La Vigie offers traditional refined cuisine made from fresh ingredients which you can savour in one of our two dining rooms with a sea view or from the terrace which overlooks the port. Discover our menu whose specialities change according to the season from seafood in the summer to ‘la tête de veau sauce gribiche’ in winter. Our not to be missed ‘choucroute de poissons de La Vigie’ (sauerkraut served with several different types of fish) is available all year round! You can choose your individual dishes from the main menu or opt for one of our set menus. Every day a different starter and main dish is on offer! Choices inspired by the talent of our chef! Convivial moments to be shared by all, couples, with friends or the whole family – we are proud to be members of the charter ‘famille plus’.

Charming little stone house in the center of Piriac, well decorated, ideally situated to discover the little town bursting with character.

Near the centre of Piriac and beaches, this friendly campsite offers 45 pitches and welcomes camping-cars.

Comfortable house, very nice, well-situated, close to the center, shops and beaches.

Independent flat, renovated in 2017 with a surface of 50m². 200m from the beach and 300m from the market. Well equipped : living-room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, terrace, barbecue... Ideal for a young family.