Motreff appeals to travellers who want to focus on architectural history and traces of slate mining during their stay. The Motte castrale de Kergorlay and the Chapelle Sainte-Brigitte showcase different architectural forms, while slate quarries offer a glimpse into the area’s industrial heritage. Two routes with clearly stated distances also provide an active alternative. You can choose a holiday rental based on what interests you most in Motreff: cultural sites or a route on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.
Cultural heritage: a motte, chapel and protected sites
The Motte castrale de Kergorlay has been listed as a Monument historique since 30 September 1997. The conical motte is still about 10 m high and approximately 50 m in diameter at its base. These measurements make its proportions easy to picture: the base is about five times as wide as the motte is high. They make the structure’s shape clearer than its name alone could.
The Chapelle Sainte-Brigitte has a different character. It dates mainly from the 16th century; a construction phase in the 17th century is uncertain. Its walls are made of granite, slate, dressed stone and rubble masonry. These different materials give the chapel its distinctive architectural character. During its restoration, the timber framework and slate roof were completed in 2002. This date refers to those works and adds a specific restoration milestone to the chapel’s earlier history.
The cultural heritage selection also includes the Allée couverte de Kervoulédic. It is listed as a Monument historique in France and recorded in the Mérimée database under reference PA00090138. Along with the Motte castrale de Kergorlay, it shows how you can explore protected sites without treating their individual architectural forms as the same.
Traces of slate mining
The Ardoisière du Cosquer is a slate quarry belonging to the extractive industry in the hamlet of Cosquer in Motreff. At the Ardoisière de Tréveller, a large open excavation remains, overgrown with brambles and other vegetation; numerous spoil heaps lie nearby. In Lannesval, there is a clearly visible excavation, a wall remnant forming part of the headframe’s support structure, and numerous slate-working waste materials. The three sites each highlight a different aspect: Cosquer represents the slate quarry, Tréveller the overgrown pit and spoil heaps, and Lannesval a surviving technical feature and traces of slate working. Those interested in industrial history can explore several specific aspects of slate mining here, rather than just read a general description of the region.
Compare routes by distance and activity
The “Les ardoisières” walking route in Motreff is 14.7 km long and can be covered on foot or on horseback. The Circuit VTT N°8 “Au fil de l’Aulne” is an 8 km circular route with a natural surface and public access on foot and via the road. Mountain biking, walking and horse riding are possible on this circuit. The stated distances and activities make it easy to compare the two routes as different options: one is longer and designated for walking and horse riding, while the other is shorter, circular and suited to several activities. Check the local availability of activities and trail conditions in advance for the circuit.
Planning your trip
The Carhaix Poher intercommunal tourist office covers Motreff and publishes the Guide DĂ©couverte annually. The guide provides an overview of cultural heritage sites to visit, as well as leisure and walking activities. If you choose Motreff for a stay, this guide can help you include cultural sites and the available activity options in your plans. First decide whether you want to focus mainly on architectural history, traces of slate mining or one of the routes. When searching for a holiday rental, you can use this focus as a starting point for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Plougonvelin, Bourg-Blanc, Beg Meil, Brest, Scaër, Locquenole, Tourch, Locronan.
For the wider travel guide: Finistere.
