Discover Plussulien: Quelfénec and Historic Chapels

Plussulien is a destination for travellers who want to make Neolithic archaeology, landscapes and historic buildings the focus of their stay. Quelfénec, in particular, offers a glimpse into the history of dolerite extraction: dolerite was quarried there during the Neolithic period and used to make polished axes and adzes. This focus is complemented by historic chapels and a cemetery cross listed as a historic monument.

Quelfénec: Dolerite and Neolithic Traces

The Neolithic history of Quelfénec is brought to life through a specific raw material: dolerite was quarried there and made into polished axes and adzes. The Maison de l’Archéologie in Plussulien presents the production process through a staged display and objects from the excavations. Families can also take part in activities offered by an association about life in the Neolithic period, including excavation workshops. The programme may vary. The Maison’s presentation of the production process and the activities organised by the association thus offer different ways of exploring Neolithic history.

Quelfénec reaches almost 310 metres and lies at the centre of a ridge between Laniscat and Merléac. The site includes native broadleaf woodland, grazed meadows, bocage lanes and fallow land. Thirteen bat species have been recorded at the site. The elevation and ridge describe its location, while the woodlands, meadows, lanes and fallow land are different elements of the landscape. The bat record adds a specific group of animals to this description of the area.

The dolerite outcrop is accessible to walkers year-round. The route through the Neolithic site starts at the site’s car park in 22320 Plussulien. This gives you both a named starting point for the route and information that the outcrop is accessible throughout the year.

Chapels and Monument History

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Sélédin, also called Chapelle Séléden, has a Latin cross floor plan and a bell gable. It was destroyed during the Breton War of Succession and rebuilt in 1392 and 1640. The Chapelle Séléden in Plussulien was listed as a historic monument by decree of 27 March 1926. Its floor plan, bell gable and sequence of destruction and rebuilding describe different aspects of the chapel: its architectural form and its history.

A 17th-century cross stands in the cemetery in Plussulien. It was also listed as a historic monument by decree of 27 March 1926. The cross includes a granite Pietà. The chapel and the cross highlight different aspects: the chapel’s form and rebuilding phases, and the cross’s granite Pietà and date of origin.

Themes to Consider When Planning Your Stay

When planning a stay in Plussulien, you can prioritise themes according to the focus of your trip. Quelfénec combines the history of dolerite extraction with landscape, elevation and a route; the Maison de l’Archéologie and the association’s activities offer different approaches to interpretation. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Sélédin and the cemetery cross introduce the architectural and monument history. If you are looking for a hotel, these distinctions can help you decide whether Neolithic history, landscapes or historic architecture should be the focus of your stay.

For an overview of the wider destination: Côtes-D’armor.