Discover Ploërdut
Ploërdut, which has been awarded the Commune du Patrimoine Rural de Bretagne® label, is full of surprises. But to discover them, you'll have to get off the beaten track!
The village of Locuon
Locuon is one of the highlights of the Pays du Roi Morvan archaeological trail. When you arrive, the first thing you see are the stone houses, then the charming little church of Saint-Yon and its adjoining cemetery. Give in to your curiosity and take the path around it. It leads unexpectedly to a monumental granite staircase. This staircase leads to an ancient Gallo-Roman quarry! And in this quarry, nestling against the rock face, the little chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fosse awaits you. A second, more modest staircase and a path will take you to the fountain.
This quarry has a very special atmosphere... Large blocks of granite have already been cut and the traces of extraction, still visible in the rock, give you the impression of arriving at the quarrymen's break time. You'd think they'd be back in a moment.
For archaeology buffs, it's the only Gallo-Roman granite quarry inWestern Europe; for others, it's a place out of time.
Every year, the cultural festival Lieux Mouvants stops off at Locuon for a concert, a reading, a lecture... You're in for a magical time!
The village of Crénénan
In this village, located between Ploërdut and Guémené-sur-Scorff, some very pretty longères surround a pretty chapel. Beneath its simple exterior, the Notre-Dame chapel is home to a number of little treasures: paintings on panelling in the nave, a Tree of Jesse and, above all, some remarkable sablières!
A donkey plays the biniou, a fish tries to swallow a horse and Renart is caught by two peasant women from whom he has just stolen an andouille sausage... from Guémené, no doubt. It's amazing how this scene reminds us of the one depicted in the church in Meslan! The object of the crime is just different.
The small buildings around the chapel often intrigue walkers. These are cider or drinks cellars, which were probably built around 1840. These dry stone cellars were used to store the drinks of the tobacconists of the time during fairs or the chapel's pardon.
The pardon of Notre-Dame de Crénénan takes place every year on the first Sunday after 15 August.
A word of advice: Don't hesitate to start your day early to catch a sunrise at Crénénan. It's well worth the effort!
The village of Ploërdut
Saint-Pierre church
Originally dedicated to Saint Ildut, the building was eventually dedicated to Saint Peter. Built as early as the 11th century, the church has been extended several times over the centuries.
Today, it is known as one of the rare examples ofRomanesque art in Brittany, along with the churches of Priziac and Langonnet. The sculpted capitals in the nave are magnificent.
The church also boasts superb acoustics thanks to a system of cavities cut into many of the pillars. If you ever get the chance to attend a concert, don't miss out!
There are also sculpted sandpits. They depict human masks, fabulous animals and various small scenes.
The heritage trail
The church is not the only interesting building in the village of Ploërdut. There are manor houses, the former town hall and presbytery, the beautiful houses on the church square, the former school...
A little anecdote: in the 19th century, one of Napoleon's granddaughters was a teacher in Ploërdut! Her father, Count Léon, was the emperor's son.
For a lovely walk and to discover the history of all these buildings, follow the interpretation panels on the "Heritage Walk" trail . You can pick up a map from thetourist office.
Hiking
Ploërdut can also be discovered on foot. There are two routes through the countryside.
- The Crénénan circuit is available in two versions: 9.5 or 11 km. You'll see the chapel and its famous wine cellars, its fountain and the Pêcherie bridge that separates Ploërdut from Guémené. You will pass through woods.
- The Sources de l'Aër walking trail ( 13 or 18 km). This is an opportunity to visit the village of Locuon and discover the Roman road.
Please note that the Crénénan church and chapel are not always open. If you wish to visit them, find out about opening times and conditions!
On the other hand, you're free to stroll around the market! Local producers can be found in the church square at the end of the day on Fridays.
