The Canal de Nantes à Brest runs for seven kilometres along the municipal territory of Saint-Coulitz; this stretch has three locks. The town also has a parish church with dated artworks and architectural features, a chapel and evidence of early hydropower. Saint-Coulitz is also part of the Parc naturel régional d’Armorique. This allows the town’s history to be explored from several perspectives: religious architecture, technical history and its connection to the canal.

Religious buildings with a history of their own

The church of Saint-Coulitz dates from the 16th century and was remodelled in 1655 and 1754. It houses a stone statue of Saint Herbot dating from 1586. The church also has a 16th-century ossuary with three low arches. The dates represent different layers of history: the statue, the church’s origins and its later alterations.

The Chapelle Saint-Laurent, also known as the “Chapelle de Troboa”, was built in 1621. Its masonry is made of local blue slate, sandstone and dressed granite blocks; the construction period is assigned to the 16th and 17th centuries. Below the chapel is the Saint-Laurent fountain, built in the 18th century. The materials, construction period and location of the fountain give the chapel its own architectural context, distinct from the history of the parish church.

The town’s origins go back further still: Saint-Coulitz was established around the 12th century when it separated from the original parish of Plonévez-Porzay. This early history adds a historical starting point to the considerably later buildings and works of art.

The canal, locks and technical history

The section of the Canal de Nantes à Brest along the municipal territory has three locks. For cyclists, the V6 greenway offers a specific connection to Saint-Coulitz: it passes Lock No. 235. If you plan to ride the route, check the trail conditions before setting out, as maintenance can vary.

Hydropower is also part of the town’s history. The Saint-Coulitz hydroelectric power station was built in 1886 and commissioned on 20 March 1887. The Coatigrac'h hydroelectric power station made it possible to electrify the town in 1887. Saint-Coulitz is described as the first electrified town in western France and the third in France. These dates show the progression from the power station’s construction to electrification in 1887.

Visits and horse riding

The Saint-Coulitz wind farm on Menez hill is operated by ENGIE Green and is open to visitors. Check the visiting options before you arrive so you can plan accordingly. The wind farm adds another energy-generation topic to the history of hydropower.

The Litli Hestur equestrian centre offers Icelandic horse riding. Groups can visit the equestrian centre and meet the horses; arrange group visits in advance. This adds activities involving horses to the church and technology themes, with visiting arrangements that differ from those for an independent cycling route.

Weigh up your interests when planning your trip

The historic buildings and hydropower give the town a cultural and technical history focus. The locks and the V6 point at Lock No. 235 offer a specific connection to the canal and cycling; the wind farm and equestrian centre add visits and horse riding to the mix.

Discover more destinations: Daoulas, Tregunc, Cléden-Poher, Loqueffret, Le Relecq-Kerhuon, Fouesnant, Pleyber-Christ, Plovan.

For the wider travel overview: Finistere.