Saint-Carré: Chapel, Fountain and Pardon

Saint-Carré appeals to travellers who want to combine their stay with cultural history. Specific points of interest include the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, the Fontaine Saint-Carré, the statue of Saint Carré and the chapel’s Pardon. The topics range from historical dates to a sacred depiction and a religious festival calendar. If you are looking for a hotel, these distinctions offer an initial guide: the festival calendar relates to your travel dates, while the other topics relate to the destination’s cultural focus.

Two historical dates

The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié in Saint-Carré was built in 1696. The Fontaine Saint-Carré dates from 1700. The two dates are four years apart; both mark the end of the 17th century. This places two distinct cultural landmarks close together in time. At the same time, each date has a clear reference: 1696 is the year the chapel was built, while the fountain dates from 1700. For travellers interested in older buildings and local history, these dates are a specific starting point. They give the historical perspective a precise framework, rather than describing Saint-Carré simply as a place with a rich history.

The statue of Saint Carré

The statue of Saint Carré is made of carved, painted polychrome wood. Polychrome means having multiple colours: the work therefore includes both the carved form and its painted decoration. The saint is depicted as a bishop holding a crosier and wearing a mitre. These attributes refer to his episcopal rank and make the imagery concrete. The crosier is a symbol of office; the mitre is the bishop’s liturgical headwear. For those interested in art and cultural history, the statue offers two distinct perspectives: the work’s craftsmanship through carving and colour, and the religious iconography of the bishop’s insignia. This provides a precise way into the subject, going beyond the name Saint Carré to consider both the material and the role depicted.

The Pardon during your travel dates

The Pardon of the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié in Saint-Carré takes place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Pentecost, as well as on the fourth Saturday in September. The dates therefore include a Pentecost weekend and Monday, plus a separate Saturday in September. Pentecost falls on different calendar dates each year, whereas the September date is set as the fourth Saturday of the month. If you plan to travel specifically for the Pardon, check the exact dates for the relevant year before choosing your hotel dates. This lets you plan your accommodation around a specific travel date, rather than simply around a general religious theme.

Finding a hotel to suit your reason for travelling

To help with your travel plans, compare a fixed event with a broader cultural interest: the Pardon provides a set timeframe, while the dates and the statue’s design describe topics that are not tied to this festival calendar. You can first decide whether your travel dates or cultural history will shape your stay, then look specifically for a hotel in Saint-Carré.

Discover more destinations

Coëtmieux, Lanvollon, Caurel, La Roche-Derrien, Saint-Igeaux, Lanleff, Lanvallay, Saint-Fiacre

For the broader travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.