Saint-Thuriau: Chapels, Church and Routes

Saint-Thuriau is an interesting destination for travellers who consider architectural and art history alongside routes when choosing where to go. The commune offers several distinct points of interest: the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Joie de Gohazé on the banks of the Blavet, the Chapelle Saint-Mathias and the Église Saint-Thuriau. There is also the Nantes-Brest Canal and two named routes, each with different information on permitted uses and length. This lets you decide whether your trip should focus more on historic building periods or outdoor activities.

Chapels with distinct building histories

On the western edge of Saint-Thuriau, on the banks of the Blavet, stands the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Joie de Gohazé. Its origins date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It was restored several times during the 19th and 20th centuries without losing its medieval and Renaissance character. The site also includes the surrounding wall, several échaliers and the calvary. The restorations mark later stages in the building’s history, while its character was preserved. The chapel’s construction period and surviving features make both its development over time and its architectural elements central to its story.

The Chapelle Saint-Mathias offers a different historical perspective. It was built in 1848 on the ruins of an older chapel. Extensive restoration work followed in the 1980s: the choir figures and plaster were repaired, and the stained-glass windows and wooden vault lining were renewed. Thus, two clearly distinct phases define Saint-Mathias: its construction over older remains and later work on its fittings and surfaces. Compared with the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Joie, whose construction and restoration history spans several centuries, Saint-Mathias is dated primarily by its construction in 1848 and the work carried out in the 1980s.

The Église Saint-Thuriau and its works of art

The Église Saint-Thuriau brings together further layers of history. The de Lantivy family, also known as Lentivy, du Rest, built it in 1620 on the remains of an older structure. In 1779, the wooden-lined vault was decorated with 18 paintings depicting the life of Saint Thuriau. The church also has stained glass dating from the 16th century. It depicts the Holy Trinity, the Annunciation and the Circumcision of Christ. The dates refer to different elements: the church building, the vault paintings and the stained glass. The subjects also vary, from scenes from the life of Saint Thuriau to the religious scenes mentioned above. Visitors who want to explore both architectural history and sacred art will find several specific themes here, rather than just a single construction date.

Walks, cycling and riding routes

There are also several clearly named options for outdoor activities. The Nantes-Brest Canal crosses Saint-Thuriau and is suitable for walks, cycling and horse riding. Route 29 between Pontivy and Saint-Thuriau can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Another named route is the Circuit de la fontaine Blanche in Saint-Thuriau, which is 5.6 kilometres long. These details offer different ways to plan: for the canal, its course through the commune is given; for Route 29, the route between the two place names and the possible ways to travel it are specified; and for the circuit, a precise distance is provided. If you choose the circuit, it is a good idea to check the current route page before setting out. Check local conditions before using Route 29.

Discover more destinations: Buléon, Le Saint, Bangor, Plougoumelen, Baden, Malestroit, Bubry, Port-Navalo.

For the broader travel overview: Morbihan.