Two remarkable fountains in the enclosed grounds of the Chapelle Saint-Nicodème are among the finest in Brittany. At the same chapel, elements of Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance architecture meet. Together with walking trails, other chapels and small historic structures, Pluméliau offers various ways to enjoy a stay combining culture and outdoor activity.
Chapels and their architectural history
The Chapelle Saint-Nicodème and its enclosed grounds have been listed as historic monuments since 26 October 1910. The protected site can also be understood through its architectural features: the chapel has elements of both Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The enclosed grounds contain two particularly remarkable fountains, which are among the finest in Brittany.
Other chapels offer different historical perspectives. The Chapelle Notre-Dame in La Ferrière was built in the late 15th or early 16th century. The Chapelle Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux was built in the early 16th century on a Latin cross-shaped ground plan. It overlooks the Blavet Valley. Their construction dates are close: Notre-Dame was built in the late 15th or early 16th century, and Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux in the early 16th century.
The Chapelle Saint-Claude is also a cultural stop on the Circuit de Saint-Claude walking trail, which leads to its ruins. The Chapelle Saint-Gildas is also located in the municipality of Pluméliau-Bieuzy. Its ringing stone was once used by Saint Gildas to call his congregation. Architectural history, surviving ruins and the traditional use of a distinctive stone thus offer different points of interest.
Fountains, bread ovens and priests’ houses
The heritage also includes smaller structures and decorative details. Pluméliau has 107 decorated fountains. Human faces are depicted most often; other motifs include angels’ heads, monstrances and chalices. This variety can be compared with the religious forms found at the chapels, though not every fountain features the same motif.
Pluméliau also has 26 bread ovens, four of which are incorporated into bakehouses. Six priests’ houses each feature a chalice. The fountains, ovens and houses thus shift the focus from the chapels to other types of local architecture. Visitors interested in regional architecture and craftsmanship will find a range of motifs here rather than a single, uniform architectural history.
Walking trails with different distances
The Circuit des Étangs walking trail starts at the pond car park on Rue des Combats de Kervernen in Pluméliau. It is about 2.5 kilometres long. The Circuit de Saint-Claude starts at the car park by the chapel in the village of Saint-Claude. It is 5 kilometres long and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This trail therefore offers a longer route; an approximate walking time is also provided.
The sights along the trails also differ. The Circuit de Saint-Claude leads to the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Claude. The Circuit de Kerdavid passes the washhouse, the Chapelle Saint-Thomas and the parish church of Saint-Méliau. When choosing a route, you can take into account both its length and the sights mentioned. As trail conditions can change, check current route conditions before setting out.
Landscape and seasonal offerings
The Landes du Crano, a 130-hectare ZNIEFF natural area in the Blavet Valley, lies within the municipality of Pluméliau-Bieuzy. It is the largest area designated as a ZNIEFF in the entire Blavet Valley. This designation refers to the valley as a whole and complements the individual buildings with a look at the municipality’s landscape.
The Pluméliau-Bieuzy producers’ market may also be useful when planning your trip: it takes place from April to early December on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Products on offer include fish, crêpes and galettes, goat’s cheese and honey. The selection may vary depending on the season and vendors, so check the market day and offerings before visiting.
In Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux, a water sports centre rents out canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in summer. As this is a seasonal offering and availability may vary, it is advisable to check that rentals are available on your planned date. The heritage, walking trails, market and summer water sports offer different options for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Baden-Mériadec, Langonnet, Arradon, Port-Navalo, Guillac, Plouray, Theix, Réminiac.
Return to the regional travel overview: Morbihan.
