Discover Plougar: churches, crosses and mills

When planning a stay in Plougar, buildings and a named walking route provide concrete points of reference. The themes range from the architecture of the Church of Saint-Pierre and crosses from several centuries to a longer hiking route. This lets you choose your focus: the stated duration of the Circuit des moulins or the individual buildings and local traditions.

The Circuit des moulins and the Guillec Valley

The Circuit des moulins is a 13 km walking route. The estimated time for the route is two to four hours—a helpful guide when planning time for the walk. Check local conditions before setting out. The circular route is recommended for discovering the Guillec Valley; it also passes named places in Plougar.

The starting point is the car park below the Church of Saint-Pierre. The Saint-Pierre parish enclosure is on the route, as is the Tronjoly bread oven. These stops provide concrete points of reference along the way, while the stated duration and distance help you plan your day. The watermill at Tronjoly is also one of the seven mills in Plougar.

Saint-Pierre: architectural history and furnishings

The Church of Saint-Pierre dates from 1635 and was restored in 1681 and 1840. Its floor plan is cruciform: the three-bay nave has side aisles, along with a transept, choir and two chapels. The three bays divide the nave into sections; together with the side aisles and transept, they help clarify the church’s layout.

The church cemetery contains a 17th-century ossuary. Inside the church are statues of Saints Barbe, John the Baptist, Yves, Sebastian, Eloi, Pierre, Paul, Roch and Edern, as well as an Ecce Homo. The statue of Saint Barbe is made of Kersanton stone. Alongside the architecture, individual furnishings are among the named points of interest at Saint-Pierre.

Crosses from different centuries

Several crosses in Plougar can be distinguished by their names and dates. The Kerdévi cross, also known as Kerdévy, dates from 1509. The Kercoadou cross is also known as Croix-de-Valy-Fao and dates from the 16th century. A cross dating from the 15th century stands in the village centre; there is also a road marker there, dated to the third quarter of the 18th century.

Another named structure is the monumental Kroaz Hir cross, also called Croaz ar Mission. It lies 350 m southeast of the Church of Plougar, has been restored and has an offering table. The wayside cross Croas Ty Persoun, also known as Vezen Doull, is also in Plougar. The different names help visitors tell these crosses apart without confusing their dates or locations.

Manor house and local tradition

The Lanneunvet manor house dates from 1615. Another kind of local history is associated with the Trémagon well, also called Feunteun-ar-Vur: according to legend, a treasure is said to be hidden there. This story is part of local tradition and should not be taken as confirmation of a real treasure. Together with the dated crosses and the church, it broadens the cultural picture of Plougar to include named places and storytelling traditions.

Discover more destinations: Trébabu, Botsorhel, Plouider, Plougonven, Locmaria-Plouzané, Plobannalec-Lesconil, Guerlesquin, Ile-De-Sein.

For the full travel guide: Finistere.