Boqueho reveals its history through a range of landmarks: Neolithic menhirs, a medieval motte, churches and chapels, and a Way of St James that pilgrims still follow. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on what interests you most—prehistoric sites, specific architectural details, ecclesiastical history or ceramic art.
From the Neolithic to the Middle Ages
The Neolithic menhirs of Kergoff stand in Pré Suzon, near the River Liscoët. A medieval motte is located at Col de Marc’halla, at 284 metres the highest point in Boqueho. The early stone settings and a medieval structure thus offer distinct historical reference points in Boqueho.
Another historic site is the Templar commandery of Caerguen in La Ville Blanche. It was an important institution in 1119. The references to the menhirs, motte and commandery span the Neolithic to the Middle Ages; the specific date, 1119, also places the commandery at a particular point in history.
Churches, Chapels and Their Details
The Church of Saint-Tugdual is in the centre of Boqueho. It was founded by the knights of Liscoët, and its construction dates from the 15th to the 19th century. The church also contains a recumbent effigy of one of the knights. The Chapel of Saint-Blaise in Boqueho was also founded by the knights of Liscoët.
Several architectural details of the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Pitié point to different aspects of its history. A seigneurial chapel bearing the date 1486 adjoins it to the north. The ground floor of the spire-topped bell tower serves as a porch. The chapel itself was classified as a Monument historique by decree of 18 May 1946. The date 1486 therefore refers to one part of the building, while the 1946 decree designates the chapel’s protected status.
Another sacred artwork is the wayside cross of La Croix Saint Yves. It was erected by the lords of Kermedret of the House of Botmillau and decorated with six coats of arms. It also features sculptures of the Crucifixion and the Virgin and Child. The coats of arms and figures give the cross distinctive design features that set it apart from the churches and chapels.
Pilgrim Route and Religious History
The Way of St James from Beauport Abbey in Paimpol passes through Boqueho and is still used by pilgrims. This gives the history of pilgrimage a contemporary connection alongside the historic buildings. Those interested in this aspect can explore the route through the village as a subject in its own right, alongside the churches, chapels and Templar commandery.
Ceramics and Visits by Appointment
Audrey Kimmel’s ceramics in Boqueho are made mainly from stoneware and porcelain. The ceramics studio includes an exhibition, and visits are possible year-round by appointment. Classes and workshops are also offered. This craft adds another point of interest to the village’s historical and religious landmarks. If you would like to include the exhibition in your stay, arrange your visit in advance.
Getting There and Accommodation
Boqueho is 7 km from the RN12. The municipal AlloTad transport service serves Boqueho. Visitors can also use an unusual municipal stopover accommodation facility, which provides a place to break the journey. Accommodation information therefore includes both a municipal place to stay and a suggestion for travellers planning to stop in Boqueho along the way.
Boqueho offers several clear points of interest to help you choose what to explore: the historical sites’ broad time span, the details of sacred architecture, the pilgrim route that is still in use, and the ceramics studio, which welcomes visitors by appointment. The distance from the RN12, the municipal transport service and the stopover accommodation round out this guide with information on getting there and staying overnight.
Discover more destinations: Plessala, Saint-Méloir-Des-Bois, Saint-Brieuc, Lamballe, Crehen, Plouguernével, Trémorel, Le Vieux-Marché.
For the wider travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
