Treat yourself to a trip into the heart of history by visiting Le Faouët and get to know about the Boutteville family and their incredible 15th century legacy.
La chapelle Sainte-Barbe is a genuine architectural feat, built following a vow, stands proudly on a rocky outcrop where it seems to watch over la Vallée de l'Ellé. Do go down to the fountain and ring the bell which is just by the warden's house. A strange atmosphere hangs over the place, changing with the rhythm of the seasons.
La chapelle Saint-Fiacre houses a splendid example of a polychrome rood screen, of which there are only 13 remaining in Brittany. In this picture story carved on wood, you can see the evocation of vices and sins, the temptation of Adam and Eve and the Annunciation. You can easily understand how this richly carved screen which served as a both a physical and symbolic barrier between the choir stalls and the nave, served to as a reminder of the lesson taught to the faithful in its carved decoration.
The majestic markets place, the nerve centre of the village, Les Halles, were erected in 1542 and housed many an agricultural fair and local market. You cannot help but notice the granite columns which support the imposing roof structure. The columns lend a certain elegance to the building whose original use was purely practical. Les Halles will always remain linked to the story of Marion du Faouët and her band of outlaws who reigned in terror in the 18th century. Marie-Louise Tromel, her real name, roamed across Le Faouêt and the surrounding area for fifteen years, preferring to rob peasant farmers and merchants rather than beg to get out of the desperate poverty in famine-stricken Brittany.
The atmosphere in Le Faouët charmed many an artist and painter in the 19th century, artists who immortalised the agricultural shows and local markets, the Pardons (religious ceremonies) and many other scenes from everyday life. Chance has nothing to do with the fact that the Musée de la Peinture, the art museum, which bears the title of “Musée de France” is located here. The museum currently has 350 works of art on display in temporary exhibitions, as well as a major annual exhibition. We know you will really appreciate the rich artistic legacy and traditions which we have inherited.
