Plélo – Churches, mining history and walking trails

Plélo brings together church architecture from different periods, memories of silver-lead mining and walking trails through the countryside. If you are looking for a place to stay where cultural history and time outdoors can both be part of your plans, the area offers a range of ways to explore. The churches tell the story of several historical periods, while trails through forests and valleys highlight the surrounding landscape.

Churches and art from several periods

The former church of Plélo had a Romanesque nave and Romanesque aisles. They are believed to date from before the 12th century. Another historical layer is represented by the Église Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul: it was built from 1872 to 1875 to plans by the architect Théodore Maignan. Its 47-metre-high spire was added in 1887. This makes it possible to distinguish the construction of the church from the later addition of its spire.

The Église Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul also contains two patriotic stained-glass windows honouring the front-line soldiers of the First World War. The windows were created by Louis Balmet and are positioned on either side of the nave. Alongside the architectural dates, the church’s specific historical references therefore also include remembrance of the First World War.

The tomb of the Count of Plélo, dating from 1734, was once in the former church and can still be seen in the present-day church. The Sainte-Anne Chapel also points to an earlier period: it dates from the Gothic era and was built in the 15th century. These details offer different perspectives on Plélo’s religious history without grouping the buildings into a single construction period.

Silver-lead mining in Plélo

The La Ville Alhen silver-lead mine was first in operation from 1766 to 1790, and again from 1922 to 1931. Its history therefore covers two separate periods of operation. The first silver-lead extraction work took place on the site of the Moulin du Val in 1764. The two locations refer to different details: the periods of operation of the La Ville Alhen mine and the early silver-lead extraction work at the Moulin du Val.

Those interested in local history can thus place both the periods of mining operations and a specific early date for extraction work in context. Mining history offers a different way of exploring Plélo from its religious buildings: here the focus is on periods of work and extraction, while there it is on architectural styles, artists and places of remembrance.

Walking trails and valley activities

Plélo’s walking trails lead through forests, valleys and the countryside, and are suitable for all levels of difficulty. Those who prefer to plan their stay around the landscape and outdoor activity will find a different focus here than in exploring church architecture and local history.

The activities in the Au Char à Bancs valley include a visit to the Jardin de Benjamin. The Ferme Auberge Au Char à Bancs also offers a walk through its valley, as well as outdoor playgrounds, pedal boats and ponies. These specific activities give a visit to the valley a different character from walking the trails through the countryside.

A dish is also among the offerings described at the Ferme Auberge Au Char à Bancs: visitors can enjoy a traditional pork and vegetable pot-au-feu there. It is simmered in the fireplace for four hours. The ingredients and method of preparation give the dish a distinct culinary profile, in addition to the valley activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-André-Des-Eaux, Trégrom, La Malhoure, Plélauff, Saint-Denoual, Pluduno, Hengoat, Brelidy

Go to the main travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.