Plourin reveals a range of historical traces: churches and chapels have specific dates, while the Pillars of Justice connect an original structure with a later reconstruction. The landscape also plays a part: Manoir de Kerenneur stands halfway up a granite ridge between two streams. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the history of each place separately from its visiting arrangements—particularly for Saint-Roch Chapel and the manor house.
Churches and chapels: different traces of time
The present-day Saint-Budoc Church was consecrated on 20 September 1894. It houses a reliquary of Saint Budoc made of embossed silver, dating from the early 16th century. Thus, two markedly different dates come together in the same church: the consecration of the present building and the much older reliquary. One dates the present-day church; the other dates the object.
The date 1669 appears above the entrance to Sainte-Anne Chapel. Part of the building served as an ossuary—that is, a place for storing bones—until around 1860. This former use explicitly applies to part of the chapel. The date above the entrance and a history of use extending until around 1860 therefore stand side by side at this site.
Original pillars and later reconstruction
The original Pillars of Justice were erected in 1561 and extended in the early 17th century. The present reconstruction was built in 1977, about 400 metres west of the original site. This distinction is important for orientation: the construction and extension refer to the original pillars, while the reconstruction built in 1977 stands at a different location. The chronology therefore begins with the construction and extension, followed later by the reconstruction.
Saint-Roch Chapel also has a clearly dated history. It was built in 1649, after a severe plague epidemic affected the entire region from 1642 to 1647. The dates place the construction after the epidemic: it ended in 1647, and the chapel was built in 1649. Here, the history of a single building is therefore connected in time with an event that affected the region as a whole.
Plan your visit: route and access conditions
The Pillars of Justice can be reached via the D68 from St-Renan towards Argenton. After the Lanrivoaré roundabout, 2.5 kilometres later, turn right onto a small country road opposite the road to Kergroadez Castle. Discreet signs point to the pillars; the monument is a further 500 metres along, on the left side of the road. A large area offers parking and shaded picnic spots. Check the signs and facilities on site.
Access to Saint-Roch is restricted: for safety reasons, the chapel is open to the public only very rarely; visits are possible only as part of certain events. Check the current events programme before travelling. Manoir de Kerenneur offers a different kind of visit. It stands halfway up a granite ridge between two streams and can be visited during the concerts and singing events held there, or by arrangement. Confirm event dates or make an enquiry before travelling. The manor’s location in the landscape and its specific access conditions are two separate aspects to consider when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Plobannalec-Lesconil, Roscanvel, Le Cloître-Saint-Thégonnec, Bolazec, Plonéis, Tréguennec, Coat-Méal, Pluguffan.
For the wider travel overview: Finistère.
