On the Blavet, between Kervignac and Lanester, Pont du Bonhomme is located in the hamlet of Le Bonhomme in Kervignac. From the bridge, there are views of the river, its banks and its bends. Walks by the water are possible at the site, bringing together landscape and cultural heritage. Paths along the Blavet complement the bridge’s history with the river and wetlands of the surrounding area.
Two construction phases of Pont du Bonhomme
The original Pont du Bonhomme was built in 1903–1904 by Ferdinand Arnodin as a toll bridge. Its role as a toll bridge is part of its history, as is its design: the sculptures depicted a man and a woman in local costume and were called “le Bonhomme” and “la Bonne femme.” The structure thus brings together a specific historical purpose and a local visual language.
A second Pont du Bonhomme was built after increasing road traffic pushed the original bridge to the limits of its capacity. The second bridge was opened to the public in 1974. The two construction phases are therefore clearly distinct: the first bridge dates from 1903–1904; the later one followed changing demands from road traffic. Visitors interested in the history of the area can thus explore both the older bridge and its later expansion.
Walks between river and wetlands
Walks along the river are possible at the Pont. The GR® 34 runs downstream from there to Locmiquélic, offering views of the riverbanks. Trail conditions may change, so check the current route before setting out.
The GR® 34 section beyond the Pont follows the Blavet past picturesque hamlets, marshes and ponds. Information panels help visitors spot migratory birds nesting in this landscape. The route thus draws attention not only to the river and its banks, but also to the wetlands along the way.
Near Kerhervy, the Moulin du Plessis loop follows the Blavet. The Boucle de Saint-Sterlin offers a detour to a washhouse and other landscapes. Check current trail conditions before setting out. The two routes offer different highlights: the Moulin du Plessis route focuses on the river, while the Saint-Sterlin loop features a detour to the washhouse and surrounding landscape.
Washhouse and natural areas nearby
Near Saint-Sterlin is the Fontaine-lavoir, a washhouse built in 1800. It is the only dated washhouse in the Ria d’Etel area. Its date places an earlier construction alongside Pont du Bonhomme, whose original bridge was built just over a century later. This adds another piece of local architectural history to the visit.
The area’s nature destinations also extend beyond the immediate views of the Blavet. The exploration can continue to the nearby natural areas of the Cimetière de bateaux de Kerhervy and the Marais de la Goden. Together with the marshes and ponds along the GR® 34 section, these places give the visit a focus on the landscape, while the bridge and washhouse bring the area’s architectural history to life.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Laurent-Sur-Oust, Silfiac, Sulniac, ĂŽle D'houat, Saint-Servant, Ploemel, Inzinzac-Lochrist, Brignac.
For the broader travel overview: Morbihan.
