Chapelle Notre-Dame de Restudo

Saint-Péver

In a wooded valley at Saint-Péver, the chapel of Notre-Dame de Restudo dates back to the 14th century: its east end preserves window tracery characteristic of that period and a chancel arch adorned with wall paintings depicting the Last Supper and the Coronation of the Virgin, rediscovered during a restoration in 1954. The building, originally on a Latin-cross plan, has lost its north wing, while the south wing still opens onto the nave through two arcades on columns with capitals. Since 1888, an annual pardon, the Breton pilgrimage festival, has been held each June, first dedicated to Our Lady and then gradually associated with Saint Eloi, patron of horses: farm animals are blessed there and then bathed in the small pond fed by the neighbouring springs, in a rural tradition still very much alive. Two fountains survive near the chapel: one, dated 1889, has a triangular pediment adorned with horseshoes and houses a carved frog rather than a saint; the other, more discreet, hides a crucifix in its vault. According to local tradition, the water of the fountain was long reputed to relieve stomach complaints, drawing pilgrims in search of a cure. Listed as a monument historique in 1954, wall paintings included, the chapel belongs to the commune and may be visited freely.

Getting there : free access, communal property; two fountains nearby

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

Ambient sound