Gouesnac'h

Saint-Cadou Chapel in Gouesnac’h

Beneath the foliage of a shady placître, a stone’s throw from the river Odet, the chapel of Saint-Cadou welcomes you to a peaceful setting imbued with spirituality. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1922, this 16th-century chapel is one of Gouesnac‘h’s heritage treasures, a must-see for all the family on a walk or cultural outing.

Built in 1578, the Saint-Cadou chapel boasts Gothic architecture, a slender bell tower and a bucolic setting, surrounded by an oratory, a calvary and a fountain. Every summer, the church is the setting for the pardon de Saint-Cadou, celebrated on the first Sunday in August, which used to be accompanied by a gouren tournament (traditional Breton wrestling). It’s a popular and colourful festival, a tribute to the patron saint of wrestlers!

According to local tradition, Saint Cadou came knocking on the door of a rich peasant one winter’s day, asking for a piece of land on which to build a hermitage. Unwilling to share his land, the farmer put forward a mischievous condition: he would give up his land if his orchard bore fruit in the middle of winter!
After a prayer from the holy man, the miracle happened: the trees were covered with flowers, then apples and pears so abundant that the branches would bend under their weight… The farmer, amazed, kept his word. And so the chapel was born.

Pors-Meillou, the mill port of Gouesnac’h

A peaceful cove with a rich maritime past

In the heart of an unspoilt landscape, Pors-Meillou offers a peaceful haven for contemplation. Nestling on the banks of the River Odet, this discreet little port of Gouesnac’h hides a surprisingly rich history, far from the peaceful image it conjures up today.

In Breton, Porz means “cove” or “shelter”, while Meillou comes from meil, the mill. So Pors-Meillou literally means “mill port”. This name alone evokes the ancient activities that used to take place here: fishing, sailing, the seaweed trade and even the exploitation of maerl (a calcareous seaweed used as fertiliser).

Traces of the past are still there: Roman tiles have been found on the site, attesting to occupation as far back as Antiquity. In those days, roads linked the port to the interior, and large ships came here to load and unload goods bound for Quimper and beyond. The port, which is now peaceful, was once a focal point for local trade.

Today, Pors-Meillou has gone sleepy, but retains all its charm. A few pleasure boats are moored here, rocked by the calm waters of the Odet. People come here on foot or by bike to enjoy the silence, observe nature or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle.

The church of Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul

Located in the heart of the village of Gouesnac’h, Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul church is not a spectacular monument at first glance… and yet! This edifice, dating mainly from the 18th century, is home to some real heritage treasures to be discovered during your visit to the Breton Riviera.

The exact date on which this parish church was founded is not known, but a number of architectural features make it possible to trace its development:

• The bell tower, rebuilt in 1740 because it was in danger of collapsing, gives the building its current appearance.
• The 17th-century portal, topped by a shell-shaped niche housing a Virgin and Child, offers a discreet touch of elegance.
• Inside, the pillars and arcades date from the 18th century, while the aisles were enlarged in the following century to accommodate more worshippers.

Among the most unusual features is an astonishing Gallo-Roman foculus, the remains of an ancient pagan altar, now reused as a holy water stoup. A fine example of symbolic reuse, between pagan history and Christian tradition.

As you enter the nave, you can admire a fine collection of 17th-century statues, testimony to the artistic and religious fervour that has spanned the centuries.

Don’t miss

• The sculpted portal and its Virgin and Child
• The rare and fascinating Gallo-Roman stoup
• The 17th-century statues in the choir