Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage

Plounérin

Built in the 16th century beside the old royal road linking Paris to Brest, the chapel of Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage succeeds an older 15th-century building. Its L-shaped plan combines a rectangular nave with a transept arm, lit by a stone-mullioned window; a sundial is carved on the transept gable. Before the west front stands a 15th-century oratory, originally built to house a statue and to welcome passing travellers. The place is linked to the tradition of the Tro Breiz: according to local tradition, Duke Jean V of Brittany is said to have stopped here around 1400 during his pilgrimage to the seven founding bishoprics. The chapel keeps a polychrome statue of Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage dated to the 14th century, protected as a monument historique since 1979 — older than the building that now shelters it. A Breton legend, handed down by word of mouth, tells of the rivalry between two neighbouring lords: the sire de Kerroué is said to have beheaded the statue in revenge against his rival, and the head is said to have remained separated from the body ever since. Whether founded or not, this story illustrates the place the sanctuary held in local feudal rivalries. The chapel, communal property registered as a monument historique in 1926, may be visited freely.

Getting there : free access, communal chapel beside the old royal road from Paris to Brest

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

Ambient sound