Explore Queven, Morbihan, Brittany: Nature and Culture

This circular route follows ancient sunken paths bordered by trees and crosses through the pretty village of Kerascoët with its thatched cottages. For more information on the walks and the nearby area: http://www.nevez.com/randonnees-nevez

This circuit follows along the coast, offering wonderful viewpoints of the sea facing the Glénan archipelago, then winds its way to the 15th century village of Kercanic with its thatched cottages. For more information on walks, visit the Tourist Office website: http://www.nevez.com/randonnees-nevez

From Rosporden to Roscoff, Green Way n°7 opens up a world of possibilities. It has a sandy surface that’s fairly flat throughout, with plenty to look at and discover along the way and it’s open to everyone from hikers to cyclists and those out for a stroll, creating a friendly, accessible atmosphere. Please note: a route of 1.9km surfaced to make it suitable for those of reduced mobility covers part of the Green Way, but also the banks of the River Isole, accessible on foot, by bike, with a pushchair or other non-motorised scooters. Starting point: the car park of the municipal campsite in Scaër.

Starting point at the port's captaincy : Port la Forêt. Take the coastal path along the pontoons towards the footbridge leading to the old port. Then, get back to the coastal path and head to the road along the cove until you get to the "Place de la baie" (where there's parkings and shops). Then, take the path leading to Cornwall's golf club and stroll between the greens and the cove. Finally, head back to the captaincy without forgetting to take a look at the marina.

This walk takes you on a tour of Bénodet: from the Anse de Penfoul, it follows along the coast up to the Mer Blanche. It’s a change to explore the varied coastline with its mudflat, boat cemetery, ports, the mouth of the River Odet, the beaches and Letty lagoon. The walk returns via the cove of the little mill and cuts through narrow streets and pathways, bringing you back to your starting point.

In the heart of the Black Mountains, the Penn ar Pont circuit will take you to Nantes-Brest canal, an integral part of Brittany’s history. You’ll notice the remains of a slate quarry, whose tunnels are now home to some of the largest bats in Brittany, the Greater Horseshoe Bat. You’ll pass two locks before leaving the tow path and heading in to the countryside around Châteauneuf, with its woodlands and streams. The path then joins up with another trail ‘In the footsteps of Paul Sérusier’, which is dedicated to the painter who lived in Châteauneuf du Faou. You’ll cross a street named after him and discover this painter’s ’green valley’.

In the heart of the Black Mountains, the Penn ar Pont circuit will take you to Nantes-Brest canal, an integral part of Brittany’s history. You’ll notice the remains of a slate quarry, whose tunnels are now home to some of the largest bats in Brittany, the Greater Horseshoe Bat. You’ll pass two locks before leaving the tow path and heading in to the countryside around Châteauneuf, with its woodlands and streams. The path then joins up with another trail ‘In the footsteps of Paul Sérusier’, which is dedicated to the painter who lived in Châteauneuf du Faou. You’ll cross a street named after him and discover this painter’s ’green valley’.

‘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.

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 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.

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 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).

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.

Restaurant, brasserie, fish of the day and home-made desserts. Daily specials and pizzas available to eat in or take away.

Situated in the historic market town on a pretty pedestrian square, the crêperie offers traditional cuisine: crêpes, galettes and salads. A large terrace where children can stretch their legs in complete safety. Recommended by the Label Famille Plus.

Bistrot de Terroir et de Comptoir in Piriac-sur-Mer! Local produce in tune with the seasons ☀️

"Les Ventripotes" offers a choice of burgers, sandwiches, foccacia, poke bowls, ice creams and waffles to eat in or take away.

A place not to be missed, with 100% Breton charm, this crêperie with character welcomes you on its terrace in summer and by its open fireplace in winter. On the menu: crêpes, galettes and ice creams made with fresh local produce, in the traditional way.

Situated on the harbour, lovely sea views from a magnificent terrace. Bar with live music during the summer. Ideal for a break with friends or family.

Located on the port of Piriac, La Vigie restaurant and its team welcome you to a warm and friendly setting. La Vigie brasserie offers refined traditional cuisine, prepared mainly from fresh produce, which you can enjoy in one of our two dining rooms with sea views or on the terrace overlooking the harbour. Discover the menu, with specialities that vary with the seasons, from seafood in summer to calf's head in gribiche sauce in winter. But all year round, La Vigie's fish sauerkraut is a must. You can choose your meal à la carte or from our menus. Each day, we offer a different starter and main course according to the chef's inspiration. Come and share a moment of conviviality with your partner, friends or family, as we are members of the famille plus charter. The wine list offers a wide choice of wines selected by us.

In a warm and modern atmosphere, the chef offers you by the fireplace : A traditional restaurant for lunch and dinner Pancakes and afternoon tea You can also enjoy LAB 1852's range of 6 craft beers.

Right in the centre of Piriac, this warm and friendly bar brings together locals, holidaymakers and sailors. Take a break with friends or family. .

Situated opposite the port of Piriac with a lovely view of the sea, the restaurant serves traditional cuisine with specialities including seafood platters, fish, mussels, grills and salads.

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.

Opening 30/04/2020 > 30/09/2020 Lovers of nature, water activities, the ocean, and tranquillity will be right in their element at Huttopia Douarnenez campsite, ideally located at the tip of Brittany. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from the pool over Douarnenez bay.

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

The Les Flots Bleus campsite welcomes you for nature holidays in a friendly, family atmosphere. Between Brittany and Pays de la Loire, don't hesitate to book our mobile homes or a pitch for your tent, caravan or motorhome. Our major advantage is our location, since Camping Les Flots Bleus is 200m from the sea and 500m from the centre of Piriac sur Mer. And last but not least, come and relax in a calm and peaceful place, with no entertainment and no swimming pool, on a human scale... We look forward to seeing you!

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

Campsite with 100 pitches for mobile home rentals. Located right in the centre of the village and very close to St Michel beach.

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.