Ploeven, Finistère, Bretagne

Paths to discover : Kerlaz church, Nevet woods, St Even fountain. Discovery route : stages of sacred places around Douarnenez.

This part of Porzay rises up to hide the Aulne Valley and Châteaulin. You can’t miss this new permanent trail at the foot of the wind turbines just after the town of Cast. You’re no longer on the coast, you’re at the foot of the mountains and the forests that go with it (Bois de St Gildas). From the start, you’ll be aware of fantastic local heritage, including St Gildas chapel and its fountain. This trail through the woods beckons you to enjoy a wonderful walk with your family, which might not be relaxing for your legs, but will certainly relax your mind.

This walking circuit beckons you to come and explore Ster Goanez Valley. Follow various sunken pathways that thread their way through the wooded landscape. You’ll reach the old Rosporden-Plouescat railway, where the train that ran along the rails was nicknamed ‘the Spud Train’ because of all the potatoes it used to transport.

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’.

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.

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.

Large car park near the old train station of Plouescat / Rosporden. You’ll start your circuit by passing in front of the archaeological site ‘Ti Ar Boudiged’, with a prehistoric stone slab sating back to 3000BC, before following part of the ancient Roman Road. Further on, a pretty stone bridge takes you across the River Elez. Next, there’s Ménez Du hill, from where you can see the crests of the Arrée Mountains, from Roch Trédudon and as far as Mont St Michel, before following part of a former railway that will take you back to Brennilis.

Large car park near the old train station of Plouescat / Rosporden. This circuit is shaped like a number 8. Unbeatable views towards the southern slopes of the Arrée Mountains, passing near the drinking-water reservoir in Brennilis, followed by Kerelcun and its magnificent restored mill. After crossing the Lorient-Roscoff axis at Coat Mocun bridge, this old Roman Road will lead you to the springs of Roudoudour and the mystical mashlands of Yeun Elez. In Kervéguénet, visit the museum of Youdig, a miniature village from the 16th century, with gites and an inn. Finally, you can head back to Brennilis, where you began.

Park in the centre of La Feuillée. The old Rosporden/Plouescat railway line covered 132 km and 24 stations, and the ‘Train Patate’ (Spud train) ran along these rails from 1912 to 1932 transporting passengers and goods, often including a lot of potatoes – hence its name. It will take you to the top of the Arrée Mountains, from where you can follow several sunken pathways, all as beautiful as each other, until you head back to La Feuillée.

Spend half a day horse riding and exploring the Brocéliade Forest!  Discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide and enjoy a picnic.  SPEND HALF A DAY HORSE RIDING AND EXPLORING THE BROCÉLIADE FOREST! Enjoy a horse riding excursion and discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide. Your excursion starts at the equestrian centre where you will leave in a small group. After a few hours of exploring the heart of nature, pause for a picnic that you will all share. This horse riding adventure is ideal for revitalising yourself all while discovering the fascinating surroundings of Merlin the Wizard.

Go horse riding in the heart of the mythic Brocéliande Forest! Spend one hour with your guide riding along the paths of the legendary sites. GO HORSE RIDING IN THE HEART OF THE MYTHIC BROCÉLIANDE FOREST! After leaving the equestrian centre, go on a one-hour horse ride and discover the local flora and fauna in the most famous forest in Brittany.  Witness nature flourishing in this magical forest with your small group as you appreciate the scenery of Neolithic standing stones and deer as described in Celtic and medieval stories and legends. Follow the trail of the Knights of the Round Table on this relaxing and original horse ride!

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.

Welcome to the only commerce of the village. This artisanal crêperie, certified "crêperie gourmande" distinguishes itself by an authentic cuisine, exclusively realised from fresh products by the hostess : artisan crêpier. Her original preparations, the quality of the setting and the warm welcome makes this crêperie one of the best of the area. Two dining rooms and a south facing terrasse. Some specialities: galette with scallops and leeks fondue, crêpes with caramelised apple, salter butter caramel and vanilla ice cream, kig-ha-farz (to order, some Sundays) Details on : www.creperiesucrésalé.monsite.orange.fr

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...

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’.

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.

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.

This area by the lake is heaven for fishermen, numerous to come to tickle black-basses and pikes. Everything is laid out: parking-lot for cars and recreational vehicles, picnic tables, bridges and wild landscapes.

The small manor Des Portes is rebuilt in the 19th century by the Danican family, St-Malo shipowners. In 1978 it becomes the municipal town-hall after having been bought a few years earlier. The park, surrounded by high stone walls is a leisure area nowadays. It houses a few children's games and an agreable camping site, most of the year. It is also a place where the flowers abound, the village actually obtained a regional prize for its flowering and is proud to have the 1flower label.

The sports field (foot-ball, tennis...), strawberry fields and a camper-van area can be found there.

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.