Two very specific highlights make Ploërdut worth visiting: the architectural history of Brittany and walks through the countryside. Since 1990, the town has held the “Commune du patrimoine rural de Bretagne” label; its churches, chapels, and the Locuon quarry bring this heritage to life at named locations. There is also a weekly market featuring local products and an annual pardon. If you are choosing between culture, outdoor activities, and local produce, Ploërdut offers more than a single cultural theme.

Romanesque architecture and architectural history

The Locuon quarry was exploited by the Gallo-Romans to build the town of Vorgium in Carhaix. The history of the site is therefore also linked to an urban construction project. The Église Saint-Pierre is listed as a historic monument and is considered one of the rare examples of Romanesque art in Brittany. Its nave and aisles, dating from the late 11th and early 12th centuries, have been preserved; the arcades date from the second half of the 11th century or the first half of the 12th century. This makes the church a tangible point of reference for anyone who wants to explore Romanesque architecture not just as a stylistic term, but through its structural features.

Chapels with distinct building histories

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Crénénan was built in the 15th century and altered and expanded in the 17th and 19th centuries. Its building history brings together several periods in one structure. Its richly decorated interior includes a tabernacle, an altarpiece, and a Jesse Tree. The painted paneling in the nave depicts the life of the Virgin Mary. Alongside the architecture, religious imagery is also a central feature. The Chapelle de Lochrist dates from the Romanesque period; its nave and aisles have survived from the original building. The Chapelle Saint-Michel also dates from the 17th century and was built on a remote hilltop. Its elaborately designed wooden altarpiece and a group of statues depicting Saint Apollonia and two of her tormentors add specific interior features to the architecture.

Hiking: distance and trail character

The “Circuit des sources de l’Aër” is a 13 to 18 km hiking route in Ploërdut. This range gives you a specific distance to plan around; check the local signposting before setting out. The Circuit de Crénénan passes through preserved woodland and traditional sunken lanes. When choosing between the routes, you can weigh two different details: the length of the Circuit des sources de l’Aër and the woodland and sunken-lane character of the Circuit de Crénénan.

Plan around the market and pardon

The Marché du bourg takes place on Fridays from 4 p.m. at Place de la République. Local products include cheese, honey, flour, fruit, vegetables, and bread. If you would like to include the market in your travel plans, check the date before you arrive. The Pardon de Notre-Dame de Crénénan takes place every year on the first Sunday after August 15. Use this date rule as a guide and check the current programme locally if the pardon is a reason for choosing when to travel.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Peillac, Port-Louis, Calan, Camoël, Arzon, Cournon, Plougoumelen, Inguiniel.

Go to the main travel overview: Morbihan.