Explore Saint-Alban through different chapters of its religious and rural history: the parish church brings together building phases from the 12th and 14th centuries, while chapels and links to pilgrimage offer further perspectives. The “À la rencontre de la Flora” circular trail broadens the view to include the heights, the valley and rural heritage. When planning your stay around a particular theme, you can distinguish between architecture and stained glass, traditional pilgrimage routes and connections to the landscape.
Parish Church: Building Phases and Stained-Glass Windows
The parish church of Saint-Alban consists of a Romanesque section from the 12th century and a choir from the 14th century. The choir contains one of the oldest stained-glass windows in Brittany. Made between 1312 and 1328, it depicts the Passion of Christ. Both the choir and the window date from the 14th century, while the Romanesque section is considerably older. The large stained-glass window was listed as a historic monument in 1923.
Chapelle Saint-Jacques and Pilgrim Routes
The Chapelle Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur is a 14th-century building; its nave is covered by a wooden vaulted ceiling. A decree dated 23 February 1912 listed it as a historic monument. The Chapelle Saint-Jacques lies on the Roman road between Corseul and Carhaix. English pilgrims used this route on their way to Santiago de Compostela, as did Breton pilgrims on the TroBreizh. The site thus connects a specific architectural detail with a pilgrimage story whose routes extend beyond Saint-Alban.
Circular Trail Through the Flora Valley
The “À la rencontre de la Flora” circular trail offers a different focus: it crosses the heights of Saint-Alban into the heart of the Flora Valley, offers panoramic views and reveals the commune’s rural and religious heritage. Unlike the Roman road, with its links to pilgrimage, the trail crosses the heights and the valley; these different routes thus offer a landscape perspective and a pilgrimage perspective on Saint-Alban.
Saint-Guillaume: Building History and Tradition
On the slope of the Flora Valley, the Chapelle Saint-Guillaume is associated with Fleur d’Aulne. The chapel was built in 1937, replacing an oratory built in 1875. According to tradition, Guillaume Pinchon was born there; local tradition once placed his birthplace at this site. The dates distinguish the two buildings, while the connection to Pinchon remains identified as a tradition.
Motte féodale de Coron and Croix percée
The Motte féodale de Coron and the Croix percée add to the picture. The motte preserves the remains of an 11th-century lordly residence. According to tradition, the Croix percée dates back to the 6th century and formerly served at a crossroads both as a landmark and as a place of worship. Together, they represent two different forms of cultural heritage: the structural remains of a residence and a cross with two former functions.
Sunday Market
The market is another useful factor when choosing a day to visit: it takes place in Saint-Alban on Sundays from April to September.
Discover more destinations: Camlez, Plessala, Runan, Trévé, Saint-Clet, Loudéac, Bréhand, Saint-Glen
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
