Le Faouët: Hiking and Heritage

Le Faouët brings together religious art, protected monuments, and hiking as different travel interests. These include the painting “Ascension du Christ” in the Notre-Dame Chapel in Kergrist, the Keruzal calvary, and the Circuit Tro vale ar Faoued trail. In the Poul-Jaudour valley, foundations recall a former grain mill; nearby Gallo-Roman remains point to the Roman road between Saint-Brieuc and Tréguier. You can plan your trip around your preferred focus: art and monument history, or a hike with a connection to nature and the landscape.

Religious Art and Monuments

The painting “Ascension du Christ” in the Notre-Dame Chapel in Kergrist (Le Faouët) is attributed to the painter Jean Blévin and dated to 1773. The date refers to the painting. Kergrist Chapel and its cross are listed as protected historic monuments in the Côtes-d'Armor department. In Kergrist, a specifically identified work of art stands alongside the chapel and cross as protected heritage. The Keruzal calvary adds to the religious focus. It dates from the 16th century and is considered the oldest calvary in Le Faouët. Its front depicts a crucifixion, while the back depicts a deposition from the cross. The two sides show different scenes; chronologically, the calvary from the 16th century predates the painting dated to 1773.

The Trail and Its Botanical Section

The Circuit Tro vale ar Faoued trail is 12.3 kilometres long, rated moderate, and takes about three hours. These details answer different planning questions: the distance describes the route’s length, the duration gives an approximate time commitment, and “moderate” indicates the difficulty level. The starting point is the church car park in Le Faouët. As local parking rules can change, check the parking situation before setting out. Trail conditions can also vary, so it is a good idea to check the latest conditions.

Along the Poul Jaudour stream, the trail includes a botanical section with plant species typical of the area, such as oak, beech, yew, bracken, and bluebells. Oak, beech, and yew are found alongside ferns and bluebells, giving the trail a specific botanical interest as well as a defined route profile. For hikers interested in vegetation, this section provides a distinct nature-focused stretch along the stream.

Mill Remains and Older Traces

In the Poul-Jaudour valley, at Milin Touf, lie the foundations of the former Kergoc grain mill, dating from the 17th to 18th centuries. Today, the foundations are covered with mosses and ferns. Two time periods meet here: the mill’s former use for grain milling and the present-day appearance of its overgrown foundations. The mill remains are distinct from the religious monuments in Kergrist and Keruzal, complementing them with the history of a former grain mill.

Numerous hidden Gallo-Roman remains in the area around Le Faouët recall the Roman road between Saint-Brieuc and Tréguier. This connection broadens the historical perspective beyond individual monuments to a road between two cities. The periods represented range from Gallo-Roman traces to the 16th-century calvary, the 17th- to 18th-century mill, and the painting from 1773. The heritage can thus be distinguished both by type and by period.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Laniscat, Kerpert, Pludual, Rospez, Saint-Carné, Brelidy, Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux, Trémorel

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