Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux: Churches, Chapels and Menhirs

Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux brings together sacred architecture and artworks with a rural hiking landscape. Its defining features include the parish complex and chapels, as well as menhirs and a circular hike through varied scenery. You can plan a stay that combines architectural history with outdoor activities.

Parish Complex and Saint-Gilles Church

The parish complex of Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux is classified as a historic monument (Monument historique). For the 2026 season, it was open to the public during the day from May 1 to September 27. If you are travelling later, check the applicable access arrangements before your visit.

Saint-Gilles Church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A star-shaped vault is visible from the nave. A set of four stained-glass windows depicts the Annunciation, the death of Saint Joseph and possibly scenes from the life of Saint Gilles. The window in opening 8 shows Saint Gildas healing Sainte Tréphine, as well as a sermon by Saint Gildas. The parish church also houses a statue titled “Saint Yves de Tréguier.”

The church furnishings also include two painted wooden catafalques from the 19th century. Their Breton inscriptions form a distinct part of these historic artworks.

Chapels and Historic Art

The Chapel of Saint-Laurent stands in the cemetery and was built in 1538 by G. Le Gloan. Its chancel is designed in the Beaumanoir style. The semi-underground crypt contains a polychrome Entombment with seven tuff figures. Guillaume Guérin de Lannion created it in 1718.

Construction of the present Chapel of Notre-Dame de La Clarté began in 1784; it opened for worship in 1785. The twin fountains are also part of the local heritage: they are listed as historic monuments (Monuments historiques). Together with the buildings of the parish complex, these sites offer different ways to explore the sacred history of Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux.

Hiking Trails, Valleys and Menhirs

Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux is surrounded by green, rural valleys. Menhirs and chapels can be seen along the hiking trails. The documented hikes start at the car park on Rue des Bruyères in the village centre. Check local signposting and trail conditions before setting out.

The “Les 2 menhirs du Vieux-Bourg” route is a 17-kilometre, moderately difficult circular hike starting from Saint-Gilles-Pligeaux. It crosses the Kreiz Breizh landscape via sunken lanes and paths alongside fields and hamlets. Along the way, wooded valleys give way to open panoramic views over farmland. Check the route details again before departure when planning your trip.

Another point of interest is the Kergornec menhir site. The menhirs stand on a rocky spur overlooking the Sulon valley; Kergornec 1 is almost seven metres high. The site is open to the public, and there is a car park at the top of the access road. Check local conditions before your visit.

The two options offer different highlights for your plans: the circular hike is clearly described as a longer route of 17 kilometres with a moderate difficulty level; Kergornec focuses on the menhir site, Kergornec 1 and the view over the Sulon valley.

Discover more destinations: Languenan, Saint-Pôtan, Tréguier, Tréglamus, La Harmoye, Plurien, Treffrin, Moustéru

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