Saint-Barthélemy offers a range of possibilities for a stay: historical and cultural heritage, a signposted turnoff to a chapel, and opportunities for fishing or using small watercraft. When choosing the focus of your trip, you can therefore consider whether you are primarily interested in history, landscapes or activities on the water.
Chapels, Menhirs and Traces of History
The Chapelle Saint-Fiacre preserves remains dating either from the late 14th century or the first quarter of the 15th century. The Gallic stele of Khérel represents another era: it dates to the Iron Age and can be seen in Saint-Barthélemy. Comparing these two historical sites takes you from the Middle Ages to a much earlier period.
The two menhirs of Kernars stand out for their size: one is 4.20 metres tall and the other 3.20 metres. The difference of exactly one metre makes the two stones easy to compare. The body of Claude Lorcy, a well-known leader of the Chouans, is also in the Chapelle Saint-Thuriau. Archaeological remains, sacred sites and a historical figure thus offer different ways to explore the area's history.
In the village of Saint-Jean, the focus is on traces of everyday life: a fountain and a domestic wash place with a monolithic washing stone have been preserved there. Together, they draw attention to the historical use of water and broaden the cultural theme beyond chapels and stone monuments. This gives you a choice between different kinds of history, not just individual buildings.
Routes and Landscapes
The Chapelle Saint-Adrien can be reached from Greenway No. 5 via a signposted turnoff and is 300 metres from the route. Allow for this stretch if you want to include the chapel in your plans along the route. Check the local signage before setting out. This makes the turnoff part of your practical planning, rather than just a name on the map.
The Circuit des écureuils offers a different perspective on the landscape: visitors can discover numerous streams on the circuit in the commune of Saint-Barthélemy. Here, the focus is on waterways, while the route to the Chapelle Saint-Adrien leads to a specific cultural site along Greenway No. 5. If you are weighing up nature and culture, these details therefore appeal to different interests.
Choose Water Activities to Suit Your Interests
The municipal pond at Kergallic is a second-category fishing water and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There are slipways at the Saint-Adrien site for small boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes. Your choice will depend on the activity you have planned: one option is a fishing water, while the other is a launching point for various small watercraft. The pond's accessibility is also a practical consideration if reduced mobility is a factor in your plans.
Together, these options show how varied a stay by the water in Saint-Barthélemy can be: from fishing at the municipal pond to using the slipways for the watercraft mentioned. For a visit focused on history and culture, the chapels, menhirs and stele take centre stage. You can choose a focus that suits the subjects you would like to explore during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Guidel, Languidic, Le Tour-Du-Parc, Molac, Malestroit, Camoël, Lanouée, Groix.
See the regional travel overview: Morbihan.
