Landaul: Churches, Chapels and Trails

Explore Landaul through a variety of themes: church architecture, archaeological traces, gardens and outdoor activities. In the town centre, the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine – Saint-Théleau church is a historic landmark; the Saint-Maurille and Saint-Michel de Branzého chapels each have their own stories. There are also the gardens of Kerambar’h, the coastal path and the fitness trail. Each theme comes with its own planning requirements: the gardens have group and reservation rules, the designated route must be followed on the coastal path, and the pardon in Branzého takes place on a specific weekend in September.

Church and activities in the town centre

The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine – Saint-Théleau church stands in the town centre and dates from the 15th century. In the 19th century, it was created by merging the former Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church with the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel. These two dates refer to different stages in its history: the origins of the church building and its later merger.

Another attraction at the central church site is “La clé de Bon-Secours”. This mystery and observation game focuses on the churches and chapels of Landaul. In this way, the activity is connected to the buildings and centres on investigation and observation. Those interested in the churches and chapels will find a fun way to explore the subject alongside the architectural history.

Chapels, archaeological traces and tradition

In Langombrac’h, the Chapelle Saint-Maurille stands at a very ancient place of worship. There is an Iron Age stele in front of the chapel, and a Carolingian sarcophagus is preserved inside. An associated grave stele dates from the early Middle Ages. The present building was apparently rebuilt in the 17th century; one window may bear the date 1659. When considering the dates, it is worth distinguishing these earlier traces from the evidence relating to the rebuilding of the present building.

The Chapelle Saint-Michel de Branzého was built on an elevated rocky outcrop at the junction of a Roman branch road. It may have replaced a pre-Christian place of worship. The chapel houses an old statue of Saint Michael defeating the dragon and a statue of Saint Anne. An association holds the pardon there every year on the last weekend in September. If you plan your trip around this date, check the exact dates in advance. The two chapels therefore differ in their focus: Saint-Maurille is notable for archaeological evidence from several periods and the cautiously dated history of its construction, while Saint-Michel also features statues and an annual tradition.

The gardens and visiting requirements

The gardens of Kerambar’h include an orchard, a vegetable garden, a liturgical garden, a chapter garden and a pleasure garden. Visits are only possible for groups of eight or more and by prior reservation. Also check the dates and opening hours before your visit. These requirements are essential for planning: a spontaneous visit by an individual does not meet the stated access rules.

Coastal path and fitness trail

The Sentier côtier de Landaul passes the Moulin de la Demi-ville and runs through the protected Natura 2000 area of the Ria d’Etel. Visitors must stay on the designated path. The landscape setting and the requirement to stick to the route go hand in hand here; follow the marked route when using the path.

The Parcours sportif de Landaul is different: it starts in the village of Branzého and is 1.6 kilometres long. Its exercise features include ladders, a climbing wall, exercise bars and jumping stations. The two activities therefore differ in their specific focus: for the Sentier côtier, the route through the protected area and the requirement to stay on the path are key considerations; for the fitness trail, the length and exercise features are specified.

Getting to Landaul

Landaul has SNCF passenger train services. If you plan to travel by train, check the current timetable separately. This allows you to factor in your journey alongside the specific visiting requirements for the gardens and the date of the pardon.

Discover more destinations: Lizio, Lanester, Le Courégant, Carnac-Plage, Ploeren, Priziac, Roudouallec, Inguiniel.

For the broader travel overview: Morbihan.