The Guindy and its small tributaries wind through the landscape of Cavan. There are numerous trails along the water, with some banks reinforced with stone. For a short discovery trip, the area combines scenic landscapes with sound art, Breton culture and religious architecture.
Trails, River Landscapes and Sound
The trail through the Vallée du Guindy is marked with yellow signs on a green background. The route guide gives the car park at Esplanade Pierre-Yvon Trémel, next to the church, as the starting point. Trail markings may change, so check them locally.
Sculptures by various artists are displayed along the trail in the Vallée des Arts. The Vallée des Arts is open year-round; check for any notices about temporary maintenance work before your visit.
The Centre de découverte du son is located on the Guindy in the Kerouspic woods, two kilometres from the town centre. The site comprises a sound trail, a sound garden, listening huts, an exhibition space, a concert hall and an open-air theatre. These offer different ways to engage with sound, from trails and gardens to listening and exhibition spaces.
The Centre offers an exhibition area and a listening area with deckchairs that are free to use. Access arrangements may change during special events or maintenance work. Check the conditions before your visit.
Chapels, Church and Art
The present-day Sainte-Mémoire Chapel, known in Breton as Zant Mémor, stands in the hamlet of Kericoul, at the junction of Cavan, Tonquédec and Caouënnec-Lanvézéac. It was rebuilt in 1821 and stands right beside a Christianised menhir. The chapel houses a polychrome wooden sculptural group dating from the 15th or 16th century, featuring the Madonna and Child, a Pietà, a depiction of the Trinity and a statue of Saint Mémoire.
The parish church of Saint-Chéron also offers links to the past. One phase of construction dates to the last quarter of the 17th century; works are recorded for 1669, 1674 and 1684. The bell tower was listed as a Monument historique by decree on 17 December 1926. The church is also located on a hiking trail.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Anges in Bardérou is a Gothic chapel dating from the second half of the 16th century. Its old statues include two of the Virgin Mary, as well as depictions of Saint Loup and Saint Cado. At the wayside cross of Kerdaniel, another form of visual art comes together: the granite cross probably dates from the second half of the 19th century. A bas-relief of Christ on the cross adorns the front, and the Virgin Mary is depicted on the back.
The metal sculpture Tri-Umphant was created in 2005. Its Polish artist, Milosz Piotrowski, placed it opposite Cavan’s parish church. Ti Ar Vro, the Trégor-Goëlo cultural centre in Cavan, offers a link to Breton culture. It includes a resource centre with a library in the Breton language.
Market and Getting There
The weekly market takes place every Tuesday evening on Esplanade Pierre-Yvon Trémel. Stalls include garden produce and food trucks. Check the market date before your trip if you want to plan your stay around it.
Cavan can be reached via the RD 767 and the RN 12 Paris–Brest expressway. The indicated exit leads via Lannion, Plouisy and the D67. Check road conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Pleudihen-Sur-Rance, Lanrodec, Trémorel, Tréméreuc, Saint Mayeux, Kergrist-Moëlou, Trévou-Tréguignec, Treffrin
See the full travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.
