Silfiac offers plenty of reasons to combine an interest in nature and culture. The Circuit des Crêtes du Squel is a 15-kilometre route starting in Silfiac; there are also moorland and wetland areas, as well as cultural sites such as the Chapelle Saint-Laurent and the Quenouille du Diable menhir. When planning, it is worth noting the differences between the routes: one has a fixed season, while another specifies walking time and difficulty level.

Moorland and choosing a route

The Tourbière de Silfiac-Porh Clud is a type 1 continental ZNIEFF area and includes the commune of Silfiac. It is home to the nationally protected plant species Drosera intermedia and Drosera rotundifolia. The Porhz Klud peat bog is recognised by the European Natura 2000 network; its restoration began in 2008.

The Circuit des Crêtes du Squel follows a marked trail along the Quénécan Forest and is intended for hiking and mountain biking. The route is 15 kilometres long and open from 1 March to 30 September. It is closed outside this period because of the hunting season. Bear this seasonal restriction in mind when choosing when to travel.

The Circuit de Pont Samoël is 11 kilometres long and rated moderate; the walking time is about three hours. The route is suitable for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. You can start either at Étang de Pont Samoël or at the car park by the multi-purpose hall in the centre of Silfiac. Its length, approximate walking time and difficulty level provide a different planning framework from the seasonally restricted Crêtes route.

The Circuit des étangs du Taulo passes through a damp valley characterised by ponds and numerous wetlands. The GR Lorient-Pontivy long-distance footpath runs near the Porhz Klud peat bog. The routes therefore highlight different landscapes: forest along the Crêtes route, wetlands at Taulo and proximity to the peat bog along the GR. Route details may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Pike, trout, tench and roach are found in Étang de Pont Samoël. Information from an association dated 16 January 2022 mentions fishing at the pond and recommends fishing from the bank. Check the current local access and fishing rules before visiting to fish.

Chapel, spring and heritage

The south gable of the Chapelle Saint-Laurent has been listed as a Monument historique since 15 June 1925. At the entrance to the north transept is a Saint-Nodez spring set into the ground. According to local tradition, its water is said to relieve foot problems. The Pardon de Saint-Laurent is celebrated every year on the first Sunday in August and is linked to the chapel’s historic fairs.

The Église Saint-Pierre in Silfiac is dedicated to Saint Peter and dates from the 18th century. At the hamlet of Le Moustoir, in Silfiac on the border with the commune of Lescouët-Gouarec, stands the 5.50-metre-high Quenouille du Diable. It is considered one of the most remarkable menhirs in central Brittany. In Pont Samoël, the village has a typical mill made up of three buildings.

Discover more destinations: Melrand, Priziac, La Chapelle-Caro, Le Palais, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, Rohan, Caudan, Arzon

For the regional travel overview: Morbihan.