Saint-Evarzec

The Kerhuel menhir

A stone giant in the heart of the Breton countryside

Did you know that the word menhir comes from the Breton men (stone) and hir (long)? These great blocks of stone, raised by man several thousand years ago, continue to fascinate young and old alike. In Saint-Évarzec, the Kerhuel Menhir is a fine example: a colossus 2.85 metres high and 5.28 metres in circumference, still firmly rooted in the landscape!

We still don’t know for certain what their function was, but menhirs were often used as territorial markers, funerary symbols or ritual supports. The Kerhuel menhir, erected at a time when these monumental stones marked out Brittany, is one of the last intact witnesses to this remote era.
In the 6th century, the arrival of Christianity attempted to erase these traces, deemed pagan. But the Bretons resisted, allowing certain menhirs, like this one, to survive the centuries.

The name of the site, Kerhuel, comes from the Breton ker (farm) and huel (high): here we find ourselves on an ancient “high farm”. And there’s more to the site than just this one menhir! Archaeological digs carried out nearby have uncovered a circular tomb measuring 6 metres in diameter, as well as a second, smaller monument. These two tombs were moved and can now be seen at Saint-Guenolé, in the commune of Penmarc’h.

In spring, the site is decked out in a thousand colours as wild irises and purple foxgloves bloom. It’s a magnificent natural backdrop for a family walk, punctuated by stories from another time.

Even today, the Kerhuel Menhir continues to fascinate. It provides a tangible link with prehistoric Brittany, and invites everyone to imagine the lives of those who built it. It’s an ideal place to arouse children’s curiosity while enjoying a moment in the fresh air.

Saint-Primel church

A place steeped in history, faith… and legends!

In the heart of Saint-Évarzec,Saint-Primel church is a real jewel in the crown of the local heritage. Mainly dating from the 16th century, it was built on the site of an ancient oratory where Saint-Primel, a disciple of Saint Corentin (the first bishop of Quimper), used to come to pray.

Built in the flamboyant Gothic style, the church has a five-bay nave with aisles and a flat chevet. The date 1633, engraved on the chevet, bears witness to the successive stages of its construction. The bell tower, with its unusual bell chamber, was rebuilt in 1900, adding a more contemporary touch to the ensemble.

Inside – although the church is not always open to the public – you can admire a statue of Saint-Primel, as well as an exceptional reliquary: it contains a fragment of a nail from the True Cross, brought back from Rome in 1526 by the rector Yves Lohéac. A rare and moving piece of sacred heritage.

A 200-metre walk takes you to the Saint-Primel fountain, protected by a masonry structure decorated with sculptures. Enhanced by a traditional wash-house and two stone statues, legend has it that this fountain was created at the request of Saint-Corentin, who wanted a source of water for his disciple’s hermitage. A peaceful and spiritual place.

LE MOUSTOIR, its wood, its pond and its manor house

A corner of unspoilt nature in the heart of Finistère

Nestling between farmland and wooded valleys, Le Moustoir is a haven of peace that appeals to walkers, families and nature lovers alike. This discreetly charming locality offers a compendium of the most authentic aspects of the Breton countryside: an enchanting wood, a peaceful pond, sunken lanes and buildings full of character.

First of all, there’s the wood, with its fairytale feel, inviting you to wander and explore. With its shady footpaths, it offers an immersion in a dense plant world where oak, chestnut and beech trees form a protective canopy. This soothing setting is ideal for family walks, contemplative breaks or adventure games for the kids.
Then there’s the pond, peaceful and discreet, which emerges at the bend in the path.
A real natural mirror, the place is ideal for observing the wildlife: ducks, dragonflies, frogs and sometimes even herons come here to take refuge. A few benches invite you to relax. The well-maintained site is perfect for a bucolic picnic or a well-deserved break from hiking.

Finally, the manor house “Les Empreintes”, whose name resonates like a tribute to the traces of the past, stands elegantly just a few steps from the woods. A private residence, this 19th-century mansion boasts beautiful, typically Breton architecture, a granite porch and stone walls. Since January 2019, Les Empreintes has also been used as a hotel and events venue.