Noyal-Pontivy: Discover heritage and nature

Noyal-Pontivy combines a rich heritage with places to enjoy nature and leisure activities. Several chapels and religious buildings reflect different periods and artistic styles, while the Valvert wetland and a walking trail offer specific opportunities to spend time outdoors. If you choose a destination based on its sights and activities, you’ll find historic buildings and art here, as well as nature watching and leisure activities. The highlights range from painted wood panelling to boardwalks and a route with a set distance.

Chapels and religious art

The Chapelle Sainte-Noyale dates from the 15th century; its upper section was remodelled in the 16th century. Painted wood panelling from the 17th century depicts the life of Saint Noyale. Its architectural history and iconography can thus be traced across different centuries. The complex has been classified as a Monument Historique since 19 May 1965. In addition to the chapel, it includes an oratory dedicated to Saint Jean, a calvary, a fountain and a placître.

The Chapelle Sainte-Barbe is a flamboyant-style building from the 15th century and has been classified as a Monument Historique since 2018. Eight paintings on its wood panelling depict scenes from the lives of Sainte-Barbe and Sainte-Noyale. The Église Sainte-Noyale was rebuilt in the 15th century, has been classified as a Monument Historique since 1927, and houses a statue of the Ankou, a central figure in Breton tales of the dead. The imagery also differs: scenes of the two saints take centre stage at the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe, while the church features the figure from Breton tales of the dead.

Valvert and the walking trail

The Valvert wetland is a natural area for relaxation, walks and leisure activities. As part of its ecological enhancement, boardwalks and a birdwatching post have been installed. Valvert also offers three adventure courses for children aged 4 and over, as well as outdoor exercise equipment. Visitors can therefore choose between nature watching and physical activity as different ways to spend their leisure time.

The “Sur les Traces de Sainte-Noyale” walking trail starts at the car park of the Maison de Maître on Rue Le Strat. It is 9.5 km long, takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, and is of moderate difficulty. These details provide a clear guide for planning a hike and set the route apart from visits to individual buildings.

More points of interest in Noyal-Pontivy

The Parc du Coguen was created in 2010 on 2.50 hectares in the town centre and is popular with families. Another historical trace is Les Trois Fontaines: they were restored in 1818, and one of the associated crosses bears the date 1600. The two places offer different insights—the park into the present-day use of an open space in town, and the fountains into the history of the ensemble and its cross.

The Manoir du Verger dates from the 17th century. It was built on the site of the former château of Noyal, “La Motte”, and was later inhabited by officers of the Compagnie des Indes. La Motte is therefore part of the history of the earlier building. At the 18th-century Petite Sainte-Noyale chapel, the entrance lies outside the enclosure of the former rectory and provides access to the chapel.

The pedunculate oak of Rescourio is also a distinctive natural landmark: its age is estimated at around 400 years. It is 10 m tall, has a span of 10 m and a hollow, arched trunk. The age remains an approximate estimate, while the measurements and trunk shape provide further specific details about the tree.

Discover more destinations: Guénin, Vannes, Inguiniel, Locqueltas, Josselin, Pluherlin, Férel, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon

For the regional travel overview: Morbihan.