Attractions and Places To See around Pluméliau - Top 20

The term "basilica," used above by Vincent Reboul, can have two different meanings for places of worship: + First, as an architectural style: In the Roman Empire, basilicas were secular buildings (market halls or courtrooms); the early Christian era partially adopted this architectural style and, for this purpose, also the term "basilica." + Second, "basilica minor" is an honorary title for special places of worship throughout the world (regardless of the aforementioned architectural style), which has been personally awarded by the Pope since the 18th century.

Although I often stop in churches or chapels on my walks (if the door is not locked), I have never come across a place of worship that is dedicated to the patronage of Saint-NICODEME. The person of Nicodemus takes us far back to the Holy Land in Jesus' time; he is mentioned several times by at least one of the four evangelists. I did some more research this morning: In his version of the "Good News" (this is the meaning of the word "gospel"), John describes the encounter of a Nicodemus, a scribe and member of the Jewish High Council, who visits Jesus at night and has a discussion with him about faith (John 3:1-21). Later, at the meeting of the High Council, he speaks in Jesus' favor: "But Nicodemus, one of their own, who had previously visited Jesus, said to them, 'Does our law condemn a man before it has examined him and found out what he does?'" (John 7:50-51). After the crucifixion, it is Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who bury the body with dignity (John 19:38-42).

The old castle is now partially open to the public. It looks very defensive.

This chapel is so imposing in its dimensions and importance that it is known here as the Basilica. It is a marvel of 15th century architecture which features numerous gargoyles and a 70 meter high bell tower. All in pure Breton granite.

The Château de Pontivy, or Château des Rohan, was built between the middle of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century for and by the Viscounts of Rohan. Following the codes of Breton military architecture from the end of the 15th century, this castle is one of the last fortified castles to have been built in Brittany. You will notice that the facade allows adaptation to the development of fire artillery, but that particular attention is paid to comfort and decoration. The downspouts are worked, the skylights carved, and the interior of the castle is equipped with fireplaces and latrines, making it a little gem of comfort for the time. Two permanent exhibitions are housed there: one is dedicated to the sculptor Gaston Schweitzer, while the other is a more contemporary installation by Japanese artist Koki Watanabe. I personally loved the contrast offered by this rather austere facade with the charm of the half-timbered houses in the city center, which I invite you to take the time to discover.

This curved section of the famous Nantes-Brest canal lets you discover the richness of the banks of the Blavet, which flows into the Lorient estuary in Morbihan. You can see that its bed is mainly artificial, and that its course is regulated by an ingenious system of locks. Slightly to the north of Mûr-de-Bretagne, the Guerlédan dam abruptly interrupts its course, thus giving birth to the largest artificial lake in Brittany, the Lac de Guerlédan. The gravelly surface is pleasant for both touring bikes, gravel and even road bikes. I am personally charmed by the melody of the tires on the gravel, so this portion is conducive to meditation and relaxation for me. A real moment of vacation!

Situated right along the river, this section of the canal is regulated by the Guernal lock in the town of Neulliac. Like most of the canal it was built in the early 1800s. The buildings on the opposite side include houses, shops, lock bridges, and early industry, still under restoration.

Magnificent chapel decorated with stone lace, in a green setting, surrounded by several fountains.