Discover Saint-Gelven: Heritage and Landscape

Saint-Gelven is shaped by churches, chapels, and religious artworks, making it a destination for travelers interested in sacred architecture and regional history. Other distinct topics to explore when planning your trip include Bon-Repos Abbey, the Nantes-Brest Canal, and the landscape of Tregnanton. The places described offer different perspectives: architectural history, imagery, cultural events, walking, or views.

Churches, Chapels, and Religious Art

The parish church of Saint-Juvénal was built in 1904 by Jules Morvan. The church of Saint-Juvénal in Saint-Gelven contains a statue of Saint Maudez. This building therefore highlights both its period of construction and a specific depiction of a saint.

The Notre-Dame-des-Champs Chapel in Saint-Gelven was built in 1892 on a site believed to have previously been a pagan place of worship. Its grounds contain a double-sided Calvary cross dating from the 16th century. It depicts Jesus on the cross, flanked by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene. Its imagery makes it a particular point of interest if you are interested in religious art.

The Kerdrebuil cross is made of granite; the carved figures on it appear to date from the 17th century.

Bon-Repos Abbey and Cultural Events

Bon-Repos Abbey was founded in 1184 as a Cistercian abbey. Its long history is complemented by a cultural program that includes guided tours, exhibitions, artist residencies, and events. Individual program offerings may change; if a particular offering is important to your plans, check the current program.

The Correc manor house opens to the public during the Journées du Patrimoine. Plan a visit around the relevant event dates to take advantage of this special access. This makes access to the manor house different from the enduring architectural and artistic features of the churches and chapels.

Canal and Landscape

The Nantes-Brest Canal runs in front of Bon-Repos Abbey. The Bon-Repos tourist information office is located in the canal lock keeper’s house and provides bicycle repair kits. As visitor services can change, it is worth briefly checking the current offering if you plan to use a kit.

The heights of Tregnanton offer views of Lac de Guerlédan. The area is characterized by heathland, gorse, and striking shale formations. Tregnanton also has a fishing spot with a boat landing. The views, landscape features, and fishing spot thus offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

Walking Routes and Seasonal Conditions

The Le petit tour de l’abbaye circuit starts at the entrance gate of Bon-Repos Abbey and is accessible to everyone. The Du Liscuis à l’Abbaye route offers a different experience: its variant 3 leads to the abbey at the end of the walk and passes through the history of Bon-Repos and the Quénécan Forest. It is seasonally closed from October 1 to March 1. Check the latest route details before setting out.

These differences can help you distinguish between the route descriptions and the appropriate time of year for your plans.

Protected Area in the Wider Landscape

The Natura 2000 protected area for wild animals and plants encompasses, in the wider landscape, the western side of Lac de Guerlédan, including the Liscuis heathland and the Gorges de Daoulas.

Discover more destinations: Plestan, Trémel, Louargat, Le Quillio, Pommerit-Le-Vicomte, Bourbriac, Lohuec, Trémorel.

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