The chapel of Ste barbe and its superb site
P. Graffion

Le Faouët and its chapels of Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Fiacre, a must-see!

Why does Le Faouët feature in every good tourist guide to Brittany? Is it because of its large market halls? For its church, whose steeple recalls the silhouette of a samurai or that of Darth Vader? For the story of the famous Marion du Faouët? Probably a bit of all of these, but it's above all the chapels of Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Fiacre that make the town so famous.

The chapel of Sainte-Barbe, an incredible building!

It's the one you see absolutely everywhere in the photos! But is the chapel of Sainte-Barbe"the beard"? Not at all! You just can't get enough of it, it's so extraordinary! At any time of year, at sunrise or sunset, it's a magical sight. This little chapel clinging to the rock dominates the forest and offers a superb panorama of the Ellé valley. It's absolutely crazy, this building in the middle of nature! And look out, at the little window at the top of the tower, it's Saint Barbara herself greeting you! This little treasure is the perfect family outing. It's not for nothing that a number of hiking trails pass right by it.

The chapel of Sainte-Barbe overlooking the Elée valley
M-A-Gouret Puilandre
The level of the sun at the chapel of Sainte-Barbe in Le Faouêt
@ M-A. Gouret-Puillandre
© E. Berthier
The Sainte Barbe chapel
© A. Lamoureux
© A. Lamoureux

The chapel of Saint-Fiacre and its extraordinary rood screen

Le Faouët's second trump card is the chapel of Saint-Fiacre. Its polychrome rood screen is not to be missed. There are very few rood screens of this type left in Brittany. This wooden structure, which separates the choir from the nave of the chapel, was used to isolate the clergy and lords from the common people. It is carved with scenes of daily life, but also of vices and sins, the temptation of Adam and Eve... It's a real comic strip in colour and relief. As you enter the chapel, you can immediately see the bad behaviour you need to avoid to earn your place in Paradise. Clever, isn't it?

You can then walk a little further to discover theamazing fountain. Legend has it that its water cures skin diseases.

The ubé of St Fiacre in Le Faouet
L. KERSUZAN
The Saint-Fiacre chapel
© E. Berthier
© E. Berthier
© E. Berthier

360° tour of the chapel

The Musée du Faouët, its temporary exhibitions and permanent collection

As you've probably already realised, Le Faouët is magnificent. That's why so many artists settled here in the mid-19th century. The chapels, the market scenes near the covered market, everyday life and the landscapes... So many sources of inspiration! A visit to the Musée du Faouët is a must if you want to find all their works. Each year, you can admire a temporary exhibition and the permanent collection. You can visit on your own or with a guide. And of course, the museum isn't just for adults! There are regular events for children. What's more, it's sheltered when it rains.

To discover Le Faouët in afun way, pop into thetourist office shop in Le Faouët or Guémené-sur-Scorff, where you'll find the "Marion's Secret" box. This puzzle game is the perfect way to get both your legs and your little grey cells working!

Le Faouët museum

A family visits the Le Faouët museum
© A. Lamoureux

See also

Inspirations and great experiences!