Carnoët brings together the Vallée des Saints, historic chapels and several ways to explore on foot. This makes it easy to plan your trip around different interests: a loop around the site, walks in the forest or the architectural history of the chapels. Guided tours are also available during a specific season. By weighing up dates and topics, you can plan your stay to suit your preferred mix of culture and activity.
Vallée des Saints: site, circular route and season
The Vallée des Saints is on a hill overlooking the Monts d’Arrée. It is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Before travelling, it is worth checking the latest visitor information. Guided tours on foot or by electric carriage are offered from March to the end of October; if this option is important to your plans, check the dates in advance.
The Circuit Rémi Lorinquer is a 3.2-kilometre loop around the 38-hectare site and was inaugurated in July 2024. A sign at the entrance shows the route, which is marked by wooden signs every 200 metres. Its length and circular layout provide a clear framework for planning your visit.
The Vallée des Saints is also the starting point for several hikes and walks. The GR 37 runs at the foot of the site and offers walks through the Forêt de Fréau. The routes therefore differ: the Circuit loops around the site, while the GR 37 is associated with walks in the forest. This comparison can help you choose between a loop around the site and a route connected with the Forêt de Fréau.
Historic chapels in Carnoët
The Chapelle Saint-Gildas is a Gothic chapel dating from the 15th century. It can be reached from the Vallée des Saints by a paved stone path. It was built by the workshop of Philippe Beaumanoir, who came from Morlaix and worked between 1490 and 1520. This chapel is notable both for its Gothic style and its connection to a workshop whose name is known.
The Chapelle Saint-Corentin was a former subsidiary church (Trève) and was probably built in the 15th or 16th century. Its roof turret dates from the 16th century; a roof turret is a small tower-like structure on a roof. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pénity dates from the early 16th century. Its interior fittings were probably completed by the mid-17th century. The year 1675 is also inscribed above a small door in the choir.
The three buildings differ in style and date: Saint-Gildas is Gothic and dates from the 15th century, while Saint-Corentin probably dates from a span covering two centuries. For Notre-Dame de Pénity, the chapel’s date is supplemented by details about its interior fittings and the year inscribed in the choir. The chapels therefore offer a range of points of interest for anyone interested in architectural styles and historical periods.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Connan, Ile-De-Bréhat, Tréglamus, Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Ploézal, Planguenoual, Caouënnec-Lanvézéac, Lanvallay
Return to the main travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.
