When planning a stay in Landaul, it is worth distinguishing between cultural history and outdoor activities: on one hand are the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine – Saint-Théleau, chapels and the gardens of Kerambar’h; on the other, the Sentier côtier de Landaul and the fitness trail. The differences also lie in the conditions: group bookings and reservations are required for the gardens, while the coastal trail may only be used along the marked route. The details below will help you choose a focus and plan your visits accordingly.
Chapels from different periods
The Chapelle Saint-Maurille in Langombrac’h stands at a very ancient place of worship. An Iron Age stele stands in front of the chapel; inside, a Carolingian sarcophagus has been preserved, along with an early medieval grave stele. These finds point to the site’s long history. The present building was apparently rebuilt in the 17th century, and one window may bear the date 1659. The chapel stands on a hill and overlooks the surrounding countryside.
The Chapelle Saint-Michel de Branzého has different historical associations. It was built on an elevated rocky outcrop at the junction of a Roman branch road and probably replaced a pre-Christian place of worship. The chapel houses an old statue of Saint Michael defeating the dragon and a statue of Saint Anne. An association holds the Pardon there every year on the last weekend in September. Check the exact dates before your trip. In contrast to the Chapelle Saint-Maurille, the focus here is on its location by the Roman branch road and its annual tradition.
Church, game and gardens
The church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine – Saint-Théleau is in the centre of Landaul and dates from the 15th century. In the 19th century, it was created by merging the former church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine with the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours. “La clé de Bon-Secours” draws on Landaul’s church and chapel history: this investigation and observation game takes place in the centre by the church and is about the church and the village’s chapels. This playful approach complements the architectural history and the historic sites.
The gardens of Kerambar’h are divided into five areas: an orchard, a vegetable garden, a liturgical garden, a chapter garden and a formal pleasure garden. The variety of names reflects the diversity of the grounds, from fruit and vegetable growing to religious and formal garden styles. Visits are subject to clear conditions: the gardens are open exclusively to groups of eight or more and by prior reservation. Check dates and opening hours in advance.
Trails and outdoor activities
The Sentier côtier de Landaul passes the Moulin de la Demi-ville and runs through the protected Natura 2000 area of the Ria d’Etel. If you choose this trail, stay on the marked route: the Sentier may only be used along the designated path. Its route, the detour by the mill site and its location in the protected area are useful points of reference when planning your visit.
The Parcours sportif de Landaul offers a different kind of activity. This 1.6-kilometre fitness trail begins in the village of Branzého in Landaul. Its stations include ladders, a climbing wall, exercise bars and jumping stations. While the route and protected-area rules are important on the Sentier côtier, the Parcours is defined by its length and the named exercise equipment. This distinction can help you choose the activity that best suits your travel plans without treating the two as equivalent.
Plan your journey
Landaul has SNCF passenger rail services. If you plan to arrive by train, check the current timetable before settling on specific travel times. It is also worth confirming the applicable visitor requirements for the gardens and the dates of the annual Pardon in advance.
Discover more destinations: Erdeven, Kerroch, Ploeren, Malansac, Guidel, Quéven, Saint-Dolay, Berric.
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