The baptismal chapel murals in the Church of Saint-Julien give a stay in Châteauneuf-du-Faou a special focus on art: they are open to the public and are the only decoration by Paul Sérusier still preserved in situ and open to the public. Other features include a permanent exhibition on the art of the artist couple, historic church architecture and paths through both urban and natural areas. When planning, you can consider these interests separately or as different facets of the place.
Art by Paul and Marguerite Sérusier
The Musée Sérusier presents works by Paul and Marguerite Sérusier and their connections to Châteauneuf-du-Faou. A permanent exhibition is devoted to the art of both artists; its contents may change. The murals in Saint-Julien provide a tangible connection to the town: a work by Paul Sérusier is still preserved in situ here and is open to the public.
The town also preserves a significant collection of more than 200 works. This means that both individual works of art in the townscape and a larger collection are among the cultural features that make Châteauneuf-du-Faou distinctive. Those particularly interested in Sérusier will find different points of connection at the museum and in Saint-Julien; the town collection is another part of the local art history.
Saint-Julien and the history of church construction
The Church of Saint-Julien was rebuilt between 1869 and 1878 in two construction phases, based on plans by the architect Jules Boyer. The paintings in the baptismal chapel and the building’s history thus come together in one place, without the church having to be described solely through a single work. For visitors interested in architecture, the rebuilding offers a clear historical connection; at the same time, the murals draw attention to Sérusier’s art.
Another sacred site is the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Portes. It was rebuilt in the 19th century and is one of five shrines in Brittany dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A Gothic porch from the former chapel remains on site. It was rebuilt on the wall of the former sacristy; a holy water stoup is set into its right-hand pier. These architectural details give your visit a tangible focus, even if you are not interested exclusively in art history.
Circular route, the Aulne and the landscape
The circular route “Sur les pas des Sérusier à Châteauneuf-du-Faou” connects the town with its surrounding area and passes through both urban and natural settings. Along the way, views open out over the valley, the canal, Château de Trévarez and the Montagnes Noires. The circular route is therefore one way to connect the town’s cultural character with a variety of landscape views. The views mentioned also give an idea of the features of the surrounding area that come together on this tour.
For a walk by the water, there are also towpaths along the banks of the Aulne. The canalised Aulne forms the southern boundary of the commune and is an important ecological corridor. The circular route and the riverside paths offer different experiences: the former passes through urban and natural areas and provides the views mentioned, while the towpaths are specifically walking paths along the river.
Another outing option on the Canal de Nantes à Brest can start in Châteauneuf-du-Faou and include a stop at Pont-Coblant. This allows you to consider the walking paths along the Aulne and an outing on the canal as separate options when planning your stay, rather than combining them into a single route.
Chapel, Pardon and historic bridge
The grand Pardon at the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Portes takes place on the third Sunday in August each year. If you are planning your stay specifically around this event, check the date before travelling. Another historic site is the old Pont du Roy in Penn-ar-Pont, which dates from the 17th century. The chapel and the bridge complement the themes of art and architecture with places that each have their own historical connection.
Getting your bearings
The RN164 runs north of the built-up area, about 400 metres from the entrance to the commune and less than two kilometres from the town centre. The different reference points help with orientation: the distance to the commune entrance refers to the commune, while the shorter distance of less than two kilometres refers to the town centre.
Discover more destinations: Elliant, Irvillac, Saint-Derrien, Daoulas, Primelin, Clohars-Carnoët, Plougonven, Poullan-Sur-Mer
For the regional travel overview: Finistere.
