Saint-Gonnery: Louarnig Park, Church and Locks

If you choose Saint-Gonnery as a travel destination, you can shape your stay around different themes: church and lock construction, paths along the Rigole d’Hilvern, and games at Louarnig Park. The town’s history can be traced through specific building phases, while the waterworks and paths offer another way to explore the area.

Waterworks, Paths and Locks

The Rigole d’Hilvern was built from 1828 to 1838 to supply the Canal de Nantes à Brest with water year-round. It therefore opens a different chapter in the town’s history from the church: the focus is on waterworks and supplying a canal.

Paths along the banks and towpaths are available for walks and hikes on foot or by bicycle. This lets you choose between a walking tour and a bike ride during your trip. Path conditions can vary on site; if a particular route is important to your plans, check in advance.

The Pont No. 72 lock is located in Saint-Gonnery at La Ville Perrot. It has granite masonry and a wooden lower gate, and has been restored. Alongside its function, the different materials also make the lock’s construction a subject in its own right.

Church, Cross and Building History

The parish church of Saint-Gonnery brings together several clearly distinct dates. A reused stone bears the year 1628; the church was rebuilt in 1881. The western bell tower was built in 1895 and 1896 to plans by the Nantes architect Diberder. These dates refer to different elements and construction work: the stone, the rebuilding of the church building, and the later construction of the tower.

The wayside cross on Rue du Calvaire also brings an older layer of history to the town. It dates from the 16th century and was listed as a historic monument by decree of 29 March 1935. Unlike the construction dates of the church and its bell tower, the focus here is on its formal designation as a monument.

Games and Visits by Appointment

Louarnig Park is located in the Hilvern lock house in Saint-Gonnery. The park offers numerous traditional Breton games and games from around the world. This provides a different focus from the church and lock construction: when choosing what to experience on your trip, you can combine the town’s history and architecture with games. Check the current access arrangements before your trip.

Louarnig Park is on the Vélodyssée along the towpath. For cyclists, this connection to the route is a useful point of reference when planning; check the current access for bicycles on site. The dining area offers local products such as cheese, andouille, crêpes and galettes, as well as ice cream. Check in advance whether these are available on your travel dates.

Visits to the farm and mills at Ferme de la Cavalerie are available by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm it before you arrive. If you choose Saint-Gonnery for a stay, these different highlights can help you decide: historic buildings, paths along the Rigole d’Hilvern, or games at Louarnig Park.

Discover more destinations: Lanester, La Vraie-Croix, Buléon, La Trinité-Surzur, Etel, Rochefort-En-Terre, Molac, Monterblanc

For the broader travel overview: Morbihan.