Saint-Nicolas-Du-Pélem offers a varied way to experience nature and local history: a trail in the Faoudel Valley follows a former railway line, while the château, chapel and school museum each explore different historical themes. This is useful when planning your trip, as you can focus your stay on outdoor activities, architectural history, or the history of school and childhood.
Trails through the valley and forest
In the Faoudel Valley, the trail follows the former Saint-Nicolas-du-Pélem–Guingamp railway line. It is now closed to motor vehicles and used for walking and cycling. Starting at Moulin du Rocher, the trail runs alongside the river through green surroundings; this section is suitable for an easy family walk.
Beaucours communal forest has numerous trails and preserves traces of former charcoal production. A trail through the forest leads to Rocher de Guingamp. This rock once sheltered resistance fighters, giving the forest area a specific historical connection.
The pond in Beaucours Forest attracts otters and birds such as herons; clumps of the protected royal fern, Osmunda regalis, also grow there. The GR de Pays “Mein ha dour” is another regional trail to explore: since 2020, it has been developed through the joint efforts of elected representatives from ten municipalities, including Saint-Nicolas-Du-Pélem.
Architecture and religious history
Château du Pélem was built in 1622. Its turrets can be seen from a path specially created at the foot of the building; access to the turrets themselves is prohibited.
Saint-Éloi Chapel is a remarkable Gothic granite building dating from the 15th century and contains a medieval child’s sarcophagus. The Saint-Nicolas spring houses a statue of Saint Nicholas with three children. Together, the chapel and spring offer different glimpses into local religious history: architecture and a sarcophagus in one place, the figure of the saint with the children in the other.
The history of Saint-Éloi Chapel also includes the traditional Pardon de septembre. Horses and their owners were blessed in the church square before being led to the spring.
School history and seasonal tours
The Bothoa School Museum presents growing collections on the history of school and childhood in themed exhibitions. Activities include dictation, guided tours, a walk along a sunken lane and making toys from natural materials. The museum’s themes can therefore be explored both through its collections and its varied activities.
A private manor house inhabited by the de Boisboissel family opens its grounds for guided tours every summer. The tours are seasonal; if a visit is important to you, check availability for your preferred summer date.
The trail in the Faoudel Valley is suitable for walking and cycling, while the château, chapel and museum offer different cultural and historical themes. Tours of the manor house are an additional summer option.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Rieul, Bobital, Merléac, Planguenoual, Laniscat, Plouaret, Langourla, Broons
For the regional travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
