Three hiking options on the Le Bois de Lemezec circular route give you a clear choice based on distance and time: 5 kilometres take about 1.5 hours, 12 kilometres about 3 hours, and 14 kilometres about 3.5 hours. The path follows a woodland trail along the Aulne and reaches a high point at 162 metres. This information helps you plan a suitable timeframe for the outing without equating the shorter option with a statement about its difficulty.

Choose Circular Walks by Time and Interest

Another option is Le Petit Train: this circular route is 12 kilometres long and takes about three hours. It is suitable for hiking and cycling, is marked in yellow and starts at the church square. When comparing it with Le Bois de Lemezec, the similar time estimates are not the only points of interest; the routes have notably different features: Le Bois de Lemezec follows the Aulne and climbs to its highest point, while Le Petit Train follows a railway line that has been disused since 1967, crosses the Aulne on a bridge dating from 1860 and connects to the GR47.

If you are choosing between the two 12-kilometre routes, their stated durations of about three hours each offer a similar timeframe. Their distinctive features can help you decide: a woodland trail and high point on one route, a railway track, bridge and connection to the GR47 on the other. Trail conditions and markings can change; check them before setting out.

Chapels, Churches and Historic Details

The Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul dates from the 17th century and was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its façade and bell tower have been protected as historic monuments since 21 December 1914. The Chapel of Saint-Victor was rebuilt in 1865 on the site of an older chapel and restored in 1936 and 1998. It was built in the neoclassical style and is associated with a spring.

The chapels of Saint-Ambroise, Saint-Sébastien and Notre-Dame-du-Paradis each have their own building and festival histories. Saint-Ambroise was built in the 17th century; its choir window contains reused tracery from the 16th century. The bell tower was probably rebuilt in the 19th century. The chapel is part of the Monts d’Arrée site, which spans several municipalities and has been designated a “Site inscrit” since 10 January 1966.

Notre-Dame-du-Paradis was first mentioned in 1572 and completely rebuilt in 1830. Traditionally, a Pardon was celebrated there on Whit Monday, with a procession, Mass and around a hundred horses; spontaneous races followed. The Chapel of Saint-Sébastien was built in the 16th century. Its annual Pardon includes a Mass, games, a meal and a fest-noz, and attracts more than 500 people each year. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the date; the programme and attendance may change.

At Saint-Thudec, the building’s history is linked with a community restoration project: the chapel was built towards the end of the 18th century as a former Tréviale church. A restoration led by volunteers began in 1970. During the work, the roof was restored and the small bell tower was rebuilt stone by stone.

More striking details can be found at Tymeur Castle: the 16th-century dovecote bears the coats of arms of Charles de Ploeuc and Marie de Saint-Gouesnou. A basin from the late 16th century displays the coats of arms of Kergolay, Rosmadec and Ploeuc; the present residential building dates from the early 19th century. The Armorican grave stele at Place de l’église in Poullaouen is considered the only known example made of schist. The calvary at Kerbizien depicts Saint Peter with keys and Saint Mary Magdalene.

Mining History at the Maison de la Mine

The Maison de la Mine in Locmaria-Berrien explores the history of mining, geology, and ore processing and smelting. The exhibition includes information panels, minerals, tools, models and videos in French and English. During the season, guided tours of the Maison de la Mine and the mining site are offered on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. If you are planning to join a tour, check the date in advance.

You can tailor your stay to your interests: the circular walks offer different distance and time options, while the historic buildings and exhibition provide different ways to explore Poullaouen’s heritage. The specific route distances and seasonal tour time offer useful planning points; when conditions or events may change, it is worth checking the latest information.

Discover more destinations: Gouesnach, Guimaëc, Plouyé, Plomeur, Tréouergat, Loc-Brévalaire, Rosnoën, Trévignon.

For the overview of the wider region: Finistere.