Le Faouët and The Pays du Roi Morvan
The Pays du Roi Morvan is a region of rolling countryside in the centre of Brittany south of the Montagnes Noires and between the Vannetais and Cornouaille areas. Here important pages of the History of Brittany were written, resulting in some magical sites and lovely legends. The beautiful scenery, strong traditions and rich heritage make the area a must to visit for all lovers of Brittany.
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History of Brittany in a nutshell
Roi Morvan was a Breton chief during the 9th century and is renowned for being the first king of unified Brittany. His castle has long disappeared but was probably located on Minez Morvan, a hill in Langonnet. Many great Breton families lived and left their mark on the area : the Rohan family in the character village of Guémené-sur-Scorff, the Bouteville, Goulaine families and the Barons du Fresnay at Le Faouët. In fact, this splendid village houses several architectural gems of the area.
In its main square stands a majestic 16th century covered market covering 1,000m² ground space. The wonderful oak and pine woodwork is topped with a huge slate roof surmounted by an octagonal onion dome. Twice a month, a market is held here where a myriad of local products can be seen ! Clinging to the side of a lush ravine, the Chapel of Sainte-Barbe keeps vigil over the Valley of the River Ellé. A monumental double flight of steps dating from the 18th century lead to this amazing, early 16th century architectural achievement. It is in flamboyant Gothic style and decorated with gargoyles, stained-glass windows and votive offerings. A path leads down to the well where according to legend young women looking for a husband used to throw pins. The bell in the bell-tower next to the caretaker’s cottage can be rung by anyone. 1km from the centre of Le Faouët, another flamboyant Gothic style chapel, Saint-Fiacre, is famous for its wonderful rood screen in coloured wood, one of the oldest in Brittany.
Have you heard of Marion du Faouët ? Another local celebrity, she was our ""Robin Hood""! During the reign of Louis XV, Marie Tromel, her real name, robbed farmers and merchants with her band of brigands and gave part of her loot to the poor at a time when famine was raging in Brittany.
In the 19th century, many artists were enchanted by this corner of Brittany and immortalised fairs, markets and scenes from everyday life. The Musée du Faouët, opened at the end of the 1980s in a former 17th century Ursuline convent, has a superb collection of over 400 works dating from this period.
Unspoilt countryside of rivers and valleys
« The rushing streams and rivers obstructed by huge granite boulders are home to otters, salmon and trout while deer, wild boar, foxes and hares live deep in the woods.» The Office de Tourisme du Pays du Roi Morvan will advise you on the best walks in this corner of Morbihan. There are more than 33 different circular walks and 5 mountain bike circuits through breathtaking scenery. At Parc Aquanature, you can walk in a nature park of 80 hectares where 120 deer live in the wild.
Andouille de Guémené sur Scorff, star of local gastronomy…
Traditional Andouille de Guémené is made in several stages : the ‘chaudins’ (pork intestines) are salted and sorted, the andouille is made, smoked over beechwood, dried for several weeks and finally cooked. To make sure you taste the best, hand-made andouille, ask our property owners where to go !
How to get to Pays du Roi Morvan
There are 2 ways to get to Le Faouët from Rennes : the dual-carriageway to Lorient, 40km away or via Loudéac and the centre of Brittany. Both routes take about 2 hours. Coming by TGV train, the nearest station is Quimperlé, 20km south-west of Le Faouët."
