Plougonven offers two distinct cultural points of interest: the Saint-Yves church, with its architectural and decorative details, and the monumental Calvary. For a different focus, there is the Voie verte, intended for walking, cycling and horse riding. When choosing your destination, you can first decide whether you are more interested in religious art and history or in one of these activities.
Saint-Yves church: construction period and furnishings
The Saint-Yves church was built from 1507 to 1523 and bears the signature of the Beaumanoir workshop. The dates describe the construction phase; the workshop attribution adds a connection to Beaumanoir. Its furnishings include altars made of Kersanton stone. Yann Larc’hantec, who was from Plougonven, carved them; the altars were installed between 1855 and 1874. The altars were therefore installed considerably later than the church was built. As well as the construction phase, the material, sculptor and installation period give you other points of reference for exploring Saint-Yves.
The church also features a considerable number of chimeras and gargoyles. Chimeras are fantastical creatures depicted as figures; gargoyles channel rainwater away from the building. The two terms therefore refer to different types of details. If you are interested in architecture, these features offer a distinct point of interest alongside the altars.
The Calvary and its sequence of scenes
The monumental Calvary of Plougonven was erected in 1554 and is the work of Bastien and Henri Prigent. Its sequence of scenes depicts the mysteries of Christ’s childhood and Passion. In 1970, the scenes were rearranged in chronological order. The years therefore refer to two different events: 1554 dates the erection of the Calvary, while 1970 dates the rearrangement of the scenes depicted. This distinction is useful when interpreting the Calvary, as it prevents its date of creation from being confused with the later change to the sequence of scenes.
Regional setting and the Voie verte
Plougonven is part of the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique. Together with the town’s cultural attractions, this provides a regional context and a specific cultural connection. The Voie verte runs away from motor traffic and is intended for walking, cycling and horse riding. It offers a different way to plan your visit from the church and the Calvary: you can choose the route according to the activity that suits your plans.
Tailor your stay to your interests
If church architecture, sculpture and Christian imagery are to be your main focus, Saint-Yves and the Calvary provide the cultural highlights of your trip. If you would like to include some exercise, consider the ways you can use the Voie verte: on foot, by bike or on horseback. Then search for hotels in Plougonven based on your travel dates and personal requirements. This way, you can choose where to stay based on your actual interests rather than a pre-set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Plouédern, Saint-Cadou, Plonévez-Du-Faou, Berrien, Moëlan-Sur-Mer, Le Drennec, Plougasnou, Landrévarzec.
Go to the main travel overview: Finistere.
