Chapelle Saint-Vénec et sa fontaine trinitaire

Briec

Away from the town of Briec, in a peaceful little valley, the chapel of Saint-Vénec combines its Flamboyant architecture with one of the most original fountains in Finistère. Vénec, brother of Saints Guénolé and Jacut according to Breton hagiographical tradition, is said to have been a warrior before withdrawing into monastic life: his Renaissance-style fountain indeed depicts him as a Roman soldier armed with a sword and a gospel book, in a niche framed by twisted columns. It is told that three children of one mother, Saint Gwenn Teirbroc'h — "the White One with three breasts" — each became founding saints, Guénolé, Jacut and Vénec, a legend that explains the frequent presence of their trio in the chapels of the region. Around the fountain, pilgrims came to invoke the saint's protection for fertility and the health of infants. The chapel itself, with its very slender bell tower and its polychrome woodwork of the 15th–16th centuries, remains one of the discreet jewels of Finistère, listed as a monument historique since 1955 and still surrounded by the calvary with its twelve apostles that marks the entrance to the site.

Getting there : 3782 route de Saint-Vénec, 29510 Briec; free admission, car park on site

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound