Châteauneuf-Du-Faou: Sérusier, Churches and the Aulne

Châteauneuf-du-Faou offers several distinct themes for a trip: the art of Paul and Marguerite Sérusier, historic religious buildings and paths between the town and the countryside. The Musée Sérusier and the murals in Saint-Julien offer different ways to explore art; the Notre-Dame-des-Portes Chapel and the Pont du Roy add to the picture of the area’s architectural history. This lets you choose your own priorities when planning and combine culture with trips into the countryside.

Art and Architectural History

The Musée Sérusier presents works by Paul and Marguerite Sérusier and their connections to Châteauneuf-du-Faou. A permanent exhibition is devoted to the art of both artists. The focus is therefore on both their works and their connection to the town. The specific exhibition offering may change, so the museum’s current program is the key reference when planning your visit.

The baptismal chapel in Saint-Julien Church contains murals by Paul Sérusier dating from 1914 to 1919. They are the artist’s only decoration still preserved in its original location and accessible to the public. The church itself was rebuilt in two phases between 1869 and 1878, following plans by the architect Jules Boyer. At Saint-Julien, you can therefore encounter both 19th-century architectural history and Sérusier’s work from the early 20th century.

The Notre-Dame-des-Portes Chapel also has several historical layers. It was rebuilt in the 19th century and is one of five sanctuaries in Brittany dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A Gothic porch from the earlier chapel remains on site; it was rebuilt on the wall of the former sacristy. A holy water stoup stands on its right-hand pillar. This porch makes the earlier building history tangible through a specific surviving feature.

The major pardon at the chapel takes place every year on the third Sunday in August. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the date for the relevant year before booking a hotel. Another historic site is the old Pont du Roy in Penn-ar-Pont, which dates from the 17th century.

Circular Routes, the Aulne and the Canal

The circular route “Sur les pas des Sérusier à Châteauneuf-du-Faou” connects the town with its surrounding area and passes through both urban and natural settings. Along the way, it offers views of the valley, the canal, the Château de Trévarez and the Montagnes Noires. The route thus links the Sérusier theme with a landscape perspective: the views mentioned, as well as the urban surroundings, are part of its character.

The canalised Aulne forms the southern boundary of the commune and is an important ecological corridor. Towpaths run along its banks and are used for walking. The towpaths are the specifically named starting point for a walk along the Aulne.

Another excursion on the Canal de Nantes à Brest can begin in Châteauneuf-du-Faou and include a stop in Pont-Coblant. This is a different approach from the Sérusier circular route: here, the focus is on the canal trip and its stop in Pont-Coblant. You can therefore choose according to your preferred focus—urban and natural areas with viewpoints, or the canal trip with its named stop.

Getting There

The RN164 runs north of the built-up area. It is about 400 metres from the commune’s entrance and less than 2 kilometres from the town centre. The two distances refer to different starting points and help put the road’s location in relation to the commune and the town centre.

Whether you are most interested in the Sérusier works, architectural history or paths along the Aulne, these themes offer different ways to shape your stay. For a visit centred on the pardon, the third Sunday in August is the recurring date to keep in mind.

Discover more destinations: Plounéour-Ménez, Poullaouen, Trég­l­onou, Plouider, Landunvez, Ploudaniel, Saint-Hernot, Quéménéven.

For the broader travel overview: Finistere.