In Locoal-Mendon, a variety of discoveries lie close together: trails along the Ria d’Étel, historic religious buildings and megalithic sites sit alongside wildlife watching and oyster tastings. To decide whether the area is right for your stay, it is worth looking at these specific highlights. The trails differ in their described routes and points of interest; the buildings date from the late 15th to the 17th century.
Trails between the ria, stream and history
The Chemin de Cadoudal–Pointe de la Forest circular trail runs between land and sea along the shore of the Ria d’Étel. You can also discover the Cache de Cadoudal on this trail, a hidden place associated with the Chouan general Cadoudal. The route described thus brings together a landscape shaped by the ria and a trace of history.
The Lapaul-Cosquer circular trail follows the stream by the Étang du Crannic. You can also discover the Chapelle Saint-Paul de Lapaul along the way. The chapel was built in the 17th century and completely converted into an oratory in the 20th century. This makes the trail quite different from the waterside route along the ria: here, the stream and chapel are its points of interest. If you choose trails by theme, you can distinguish between a route along the ria and a circular trail featuring a stream and a historic chapel.
Chapels and churches with stories of their own
The Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite was built in the 17th century, probably in 1646. The date on the west door points to that year. The Chapelle Saint-Jean, by contrast, was built in the second half of the 16th century. It stands on the shore of the pond of the same name on the Île de Locoal. These two chapels are therefore distinguished by their different dates; for Saint-Jean, its location by the pond is also part of the description.
The portal and choir termination of the Église Saint-Pierre have been protected as a Monument historique by decree of 24 April 1925. The choir termination dates from the late 15th century and features a groin vault. These details describe the building both through its protected status and through a specific, dated architectural feature.
The Église Saint-Goal stands at the presumed site of Saint Goal’s hermitage. An engraved stone in front of the choir marks the location of his grave. The landscape also shapes the description of the site: the church lies at the edge of a natural terrace above the Anse de Locoal, which opens onto the Rivière d’Étel. Here, a traditional interpretation of the site meets a striking landscape feature.
Megalithic sites and wildlife watching
Mané er Loc'h, also called Mané Bras, is a covered megalithic gallery and is listed as a Monument historique. The Dolmen de Locqueltas is listed as one, too. The Ty Er Chir–Kernours circular trail offers a different route: it allows for a possible out-and-back detour to the Dolmen de Mané Bihan, a Neolithic chambered tomb with a bent passage. This distinction may help you choose: the first two sites are listed as Monuments historiques, whereas Mané Bihan is described as a possible destination for a detour from this trail.
Wildlife is another highlight along the way. You may spot herons, egrets and, occasionally, otters on the trails of Locoal-Mendon. This adds a further connection with nature to walks that also take in historic buildings and megalithic sites.
Oyster tastings and a visit to the farm
Local oyster farmers offer oyster tastings in Locoal-Mendon. If you would like to make a tasting part of your plans, check the date with the oyster farmers in advance. The educational farm Marianimaux & Cie welcomes private visitors by prior reservation. Alongside trails and cultural heritage, culinary discoveries and a farm visit are therefore also specific options for your stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-Brévelay, Ploeren, Noyal-Pontivy, Lanvaudan, Mohon, Le Roc-Saint-André, Réminiac, Ploemel
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