Bourbriac can be explored through two distinct themes: cultural monuments from different centuries and hiking trails with clearly specified durations and distances. The historic sites span the period from the Bronze Age to architectural elements from the 14th century; the trails lead through the landscapes of the wooded Argoat. This lets you shape your stay around the subjects that interest you most.
Monuments from Several Centuries
Among the oldest dated sites are the Tumulus of Tanouédou and the burial vault of Kerivoa. Both date from the Bronze Age and have been classified as historic monuments since 22 July 1914. Their shared classification date marks their protected status; they were created much earlier. Comparing the historic sites makes it possible to distinguish between the date of a site's origin and the time when it was classified.
The Church of Saint Briac brings together several periods: it has been classified as a historic monument since 11 October 1907 and contains a 12th-century crypt. It is also home to a sarcophagus and the tomb of Saint Briac, both dating from the early 16th century and both classified. Alongside its own historical designation, the church thus has a distinct architectural and historical dimension through its crypt and burial sites.
Chapels and a calvary cross add to the picture. The Chapelle du Danouët dates from the 14th to the 16th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 7 August 1964. The Calvary Cross of Saint Houarneau dates from the 16th century and was listed on 14 September 1964. The Chapelle de Pénity, in turn, brings together different periods of construction: it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century and retains elements from the 14th century. The Feunten Sant fountain, a fountain of Saint Briac dating from the 17th century, is located on Rue d’Avaugour.
Hiking Trails and Planning Your Time
The Circuit An Tri Eskop is a 12-kilometre, moderate circular hike marked in yellow. It runs through the Pays de Bourbriac, in the heart of the wooded Argoat, the “land of forests.” The route includes the Fontaine des trois évêques. It marks the meeting point of the former parishes of Magoar (Diocese of Dol-de-Bretagne), Kérien (Cornouaille) and Bourbriac (Tréguier). Here, the trail's setting is connected with a specific historical link to the former parishes.
The two hiking trails in the privately owned Bois de Coat-Liou offer different options for planning your time: their stated durations are 45 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes. These differing times help you gauge the planned length of the outing. Bois de Coat-Liou is open to the public from March to September and accessible exclusively on foot. Check this access rule before your visit; trail conditions may also vary seasonally. The summit of the Tour de Coat Liou can also be reached.
There are different ways to choose a route: the Circuit An Tri Eskop has a circular format, distance and difficulty level specified; in Bois de Coat-Liou, the trails differ primarily in their stated duration and the seasonal access rule. The historic sites offer a different focus: there, you can compare the Bronze Age, medieval architectural elements and later monument listings across time.
Discover more destinations: La Motte, Saint-Judoce, Caurel, Morieux, Pleubian, Hénanbihen, Trémeur, Pommeret.
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
