Discover Le Faouët
Le Faouët is a pretty little town that has survived the centuries and has a wealth of stories to tell. From its covered market to its museum, not forgetting the chapels of Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Fiacre, there's plenty to discover!
Two emblematic chapels: Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Fiacre
The Pays du Roi Morvan is a region rich in religious buildings. There are no fewer than 100 chapels. In Le Faouët, two buildings in particular stand out.
The Sainte-Barbe chapel, built in response to a vow
When you arrive on the Sainte-Barbe plateau, you'll be surprised to discover this little chapel built into the side of a rock! It owes its construction to an astonishing story...
Towards the end of the 15th century, Jean de Toulbodou, the youngest of the Lords of Locmalo, went hunting. He was caught unawares by a storm so violent that sections of rock detached themselves from the walls and fell around him! Seized by fear and feeling that his end was near, he prayed to Saint Barbara, who was usually invoked to protect him from fire and lightning. If she saved him, he promised to build her a chapel here.
Miraculously, the storm stopped and Jean de Toulbodou was safe and sound! He kept his promise: construction of the chapel began in 1489 and was completed in 1512.
You can walk to Sainte-Barbe chapel from the town of Le Faouët along the rue des Halles, then continue along the chemin de Sainte-Barbe.
The Saint-Fiacre chapel and its exceptional rood screen
The size, volume and architecture of this chapel make it a superb example ofGothic art. Inside the building lies a real heritage treasure: a remarkable rood screen in polychrome wood, one of the finest in Brittany!
The rood screen forms a wooden fence separating the people from the bourgeoisie. On the people's side, the vast majority of whom could not read, were illustrations depicting scenes from the life of Christ. On the bourgeois side, Latin texts recall the 7 deadly sins.
Don't hesitate to take a walk along the chapel circuit to discover these two little marvels.
Don't miss it!
The covered market of Le Faouët
Dating back to 1542, these covered market halls cover almost 1,000m² and are the third largest in Brittany. Their elegance is unusual for a utilitarian building. A veritable heart of the town, they were the meeting place for all the merchants and farmers of the region who came to sell their produce. On some market days, they were so crowded that they could not hold everyone.
Even today, the market in Le Faouët is held here.
A little history
With the shadow of Marion du Faouët still hanging over the covered market and the works of painters on display in the Museum, history is never far away in Le Faouët.
Marion du Faouët
A local figure, Marion was a highwayman who led around forty brigands. Her life was short but eventful. Despite her antics and thefts, she remained popular with the local population, whom she never attacked! Apparently, she only targeted merchants from elsewhere. After many adventures, she was finally caught by the law and sentenced to death in Quimper.
Want to find out more about Marion du Faouët? Visit our page on historical figures.
The presence of talented artists
From the middle of the 19th century onwards, Le Faouët came alive with the more sedate presence of French and foreignpainters. At the beginning of the 20th century, even more artists stayed to immortalise the town's rich heritage, in particular the covered market, the chapel of Sainte-Barbe and the chapel of Saint-Fiacre. Landscapes, market scenes and everyday life were also highly sought-after themes.
Jean-Corentin Carré
Jean-Corentin Carré is considered to be France's youngest poilu, and is an important figure in the history of Faouët.
When the First World War broke out, Jean-Corentin was only 14 years old, but he wanted to serve his country, so he lied about his age when he was recruited. The deception worked. He managed to enlist at the age of 15! Jean-Corentin was killed in action aged just 18.
A monument pays tribute to him on the Place des Halles.
The Musée du Faouët and its temporary exhibitions
In the middle of the 19th century, many artists in search of inspiration were seduced by the charm of inland Brittany. As the number of artists grew, so did their artistic output.
In July 1914, the commune of Le Faouët inaugurated the first nucleus of its painting collection, which at the time was housed in the town hall. Little by little, this collection grew and required more space.
Now housed in a former Ursuline convent, the Musée du Faouët, which has been awarded the Musée de France label, has over 400 works of art and organises a high-quality temporary exhibition every year.
The "Marion's secret" investigation
In the riddle game "Marion's Secret", you set off in search of a mysterious chest that once belonged to the famous brigand Marion du Faouët. From one street to the next, the questions will keep you on your toes until you find the treasure locked in this famous chest.
The game box is available from the Tourist Office for €10. It is part of a collection of three fun boxes. The other two take you to Gourin and Kernascléden.
Watch carefully, be perceptive and have fun!
