Chapelle Saint-Philibert de Lanvern

Plonéour-Lanvern

In the heart of the Bigouden countryside, not far from Plonéour-Lanvern, the chapel of Saint-Philibert de Lanvern takes its name from the Breton lan (hermitage) and gwern (alder grove). A priory was founded here as early as the 11th century, dependent on the powerful abbey of Landévennec, to administer the lands generously given by the counts of Cornouaille. For nearly four centuries, two churches stood side by side within the same enclosure: the parish church of Notre-Dame-du-Folgoat, built from 1364, and the priory church dedicated to Saint Philibert — the one visited today. The present choir dates back at least to the 15th century, the nave to the 16th. An altarpiece adorned with statues of the apostles once graced the high altar; kept at the presbytery, they have since joined the parish church, except for a statue of Saint Guénolé that stayed at the abbey of Landévennec, his land of origin. The chapel's history also bears the mark of political troubles: in 1675, in the aftermath of the Bonnets Rouges revolt, the royal authorities had its bell tower beheaded, a punishment inflicted on parishes whose bells had rung the tocsin. Sold at the Revolution, then ruined after its roof collapsed in the 1950s and 1960s, the chapel was saved by a local association from 1979, the year in which the pardon, long interrupted, came back to life. A complete restoration, financed by a bequest, gave it back its slate roof and its stained glass in 2011–2012.

Getting there : Free access, isolated chapel in open countryside; annual pardon (the Breton pilgrimage festival) revived since 1979

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

Ambient sound