Discover Ergué-Gabéric

Ergué-Gabéric combines hiking routes with landscapes and historic heritage. Three blue-marked circular walking trails and several routes described in detail offer different ways to plan a stay. Highlights also include Stangala, an arboretum and buildings dating from various centuries.

Hiking routes and distances

Ergué-Gabéric has three blue-marked circular walking trails ranging from 1.4 to 9 kilometres. “Le tour du bourg de pierres en arbres” is a 6.2-kilometre circular route around the town centre. Other routes described in detail vary in distance, difficulty and stated duration: “Autour de Lestonan” is 13.5 kilometres long, is rated moderate and has a stated duration of 3 hours 30 minutes. “Balade à Kerdévot” is 3.5 kilometres long, is rated very easy and has a stated duration of 1 hour 15 minutes. Comparing these two routes shows the differences in distance and estimated time; their stated difficulty ratings also differ.

The GR38 long-distance trail passes through Stangala and Stang Luzigou and runs from Douarnenez to Redon. Stang Luzigou is also home to the 2.7-kilometre “Sentiers d’interprétation” route. Check trail conditions before your trip when planning your routes.

Stangala and the landscape

Stangala extends partly across Ergué-Gabéric, Quimper and Briec and covers 90 hectares in total. Since 6 July 1929, it has been designated a site and natural monument of artistic character. Protected species found there include the royal fern and the Quimper snail. The trails, footbridges, facilities and signage at Stangala are maintained in partnership with the municipalities.

A different view of the landscape can be found at a former quarry, where there is a walking path and a viewpoint above the reservoir. An accessible path leads to the viewpoint. When planning your time outdoors, you can choose from the named hiking routes, as well as a walking path and a viewpoint as different places to visit.

Churches, chapels and traces of history

The Church of Saint-Guinal, also called Saint-Gwenaël, was built largely in the 16th century. The old cemetery preserves a 17th-century ossuary, which opens onto the enclosed churchyard through arcades. The church, cemetery and ossuary were designated historic monuments by decree of 23 October 1939. The protected site therefore covers the ensemble of the church, cemetery and ossuary.

The Chapel of Kerdévot can also be dated through its buildings: it dates from the 15th century and has a monumental 16th-century calvary. The chapel also contains a Flemish altarpiece. For a visit focused on cultural history, these different features offer specific points of interest, from the chapel building to its furnishings.

At the Kerho arboretum in Lestonan, an 8-hectare botanical trail features 48 forest and ornamental plant species; the “Sentier des demoiselles” is also there. The Manoir de Lezergué is listed as a historic monument. In addition to religious buildings and landscapes, Ergué-Gabéric also offers a glimpse into industrial history: a paper mill was established in 1822 and, under the influence of the Bolloré family, became the Odet paper mill. These places differ in theme and period, adding historical and cultural points of interest to your route planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Poullaouen, Locquirec, Plouégat-Guérand, Plomodiern, Briec, Plougastel-Daoulas, Brennilis, Saint-Méen

For the main travel overview: Finistere.