Melrand: Chapels, Heritage and Nature

In Melrand, you can include historic chapels, contemporary art and outdoor activities in your travel plans. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: protected heritage, the Village de l’An Mil or time at Kerstraquel Pond. These themes offer different starting points for sightseeing and activities.

Chapels and protected heritage

The Chapel of Saint-Fiacre was built around 1460 in the Flamboyant Gothic style and is protected as a historic monument. Remains of a mural depicting the life of Saint Fiacrius have been preserved inside. The chapel also has one of Brittany’s four remarkable rood screens. Its construction date, mural remains and rood screen offer different perspectives on the chapel: its architecture and artistic features.

The Chapel of Locmaria and the Tumulus of Saint-Fiacre are also protected as historic monuments. This means the protected heritage includes a tumulus as well as chapels. The Chapel of Le Guelhouit was built in 1683 and lies in the Sarre Valley at the foot of a hill. The construction dates of the Chapels of Saint-Fiacre and Le Guelhouit can be compared: Saint-Fiacre dates from around 1460, while Le Guelhouit was built in 1683. The described setting in the valley is also part of the picture at Le Guelhouit.

Contemporary art in the chapels

L’Art dans les Chapelles has taken place every summer since 1992, presenting contemporary works in protected historic chapels. In Melrand, the Chapel of Saint-Fiacre has been part of the programme since 2020. The exhibition period runs from mid-July to mid-September; dates and participating chapels may vary from one annual programme to another. If you would like to plan your trip around the exhibition, check the programme for the relevant period.

The programme includes free, self-guided visits. It also features year-round artist residencies, exhibitions outside the exhibition venues, events and workshops. In addition to summer visits, the programme therefore offers other formats throughout the year. Individual events and dates may change.

The Village de l’An Mil and the walking route

The Village de l’An Mil showcases around a hundred plant species, traditional animal breeds and historical reenactments. The site comprises 17 buildings, of which ten have been excavated to date. Plants, animals and reenactments offer different thematic ways to explore the site; the number of excavated buildings adds an archaeological dimension to these impressions. Visits are available year-round for an admission fee. Check the current opening hours before your trip.

The Circuit du Village de l’An Mil is a moderately difficult 5 km circular route. The estimated duration is about 1 hour and 15 minutes; the starting point is at Place de l’Église in Melrand. The distance gives you an idea of the route’s length, while the approximate time helps you plan your day. Bear in mind that the duration is an estimate and local conditions may change.

Fishing and a stay at Kerstraquel Pond

Kerstraquel Pond covers 2 hectares and offers the opportunity to fish. The paths are also accessible to people with reduced mobility. There is also a picnic area, a playground and toilets. You can choose between spending time by the water, walking along the paths and using the facilities mentioned.

The pond has a high density of white fish, such as pike and perch. Rainbow trout are also stocked several times over the course of the season. For anglers, seasonal stocking is another factor to consider when planning a visit. As facilities may change or be temporarily unavailable, check which amenities can be used on site before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Séné, Le Courégant, Monteneuf, Plumergat, Locmariaquer, Larmor-Baden, Allaire, Auray

For the regional travel overview: Morbihan.