Le Folgoët: Basilica, Chapels and Circular Trail

For a stay in Le Folgoët, the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Folgoët, historic chapels and a 13-kilometre circular trail offer different thematic highlights. You can tailor your trip according to whether you are primarily interested in architecture and religious history or would also like to explore the local districts and hamlets.

Basilica of Notre-Dame du Folgoët

In 1427, the basilica was granted the title of minor basilica, making it the oldest basilica in Brittany. It has been protected as a historic monument since its classification in 1840. The two dates have different meanings: 1427 marks the granting of the ecclesiastical title, while 1840 marks its classification as a monument.

One of the basilica’s notable architectural features is its Flamboyant Gothic rood screen. Made entirely of Kersanton stone, it is the only one of its kind in Brittany. Its style, material and regional uniqueness set it apart. Architecture enthusiasts will find a specific detail here that reflects the basilica’s special significance.

Guided tours, the Pardon and virtual exhibition

In summer, SPREV organises guided tours in Le Folgoët. Guided tours are available year-round by reservation with the “Les Amis du Folgoët” association. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. As reservation arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

The September Pardon at the basilica is an annual pilgrimage that attracts several thousand people. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the specific date in advance. This will help you fit a visit to the basilica and the event into your travel plans.

The Museum of the Basilica of Le Folgoët closed in 2019. This is separate from a temporary exhibition by the Musée du Léon dedicated to the museum, which can still be visited virtually in augmented reality.

Chapels and local history

The present-day Chapelle de Guicquelleau was built around 1620 and is named after Saint Velle. The chapel preserves a Louis XV high altar, as well as statues of Saint Marguerite and Saint Velle. Its construction date, namesake and furnishings offer different ways to explore the site: they point to its origins and to specific pieces that have been preserved there to this day. The hydrangea colours are also featured at the Chapelle de Guicquelleau.

The Chapelle des Pardons represents a different period of construction: this Neo-Gothic chapel was built in 1922–1923 on the esplanade near the church of Le Folgoët. Comparing it with the Chapelle de Guicquelleau, built around 1620, highlights the different historical contexts of the two chapels without suggesting that their respective furnishings are the same.

The circular trail through the local districts

The 13-kilometre circular trail in Le Folgoët, included in the PDIPR, passes through the local districts. Along the way, it offers the opportunity to discover what makes all the commune’s hamlets distinctive. The trail provides a different focus from visiting individual buildings: instead of stopping at a basilica or chapel, the circular route takes in the commune’s districts and hamlets.

At 13 kilometres, the trail’s length gives you a practical measure for planning. If you would like to include it, you can treat it as a separate activity alongside visits to the basilica and chapels. This way, you can choose Le Folgoët for both its historic buildings and the opportunity to explore the commune.

Discover more destinations: Loc-Brévalaire, Dirinon, Île-Tudy, Plouzévédé, Beuzec-Cap-Sizun, Le Cloître-Pleyben, Clohars-Carnoët, Le Conquet.

For the broader travel overview: Finistère.