In addition to its rich heritage, the smallest commune in the Côtes d’Armor is unique for its location. It is at the crossroads of a dozen different circuits, from 3 to 20 km, in the village centre or in the forest.
All year long, Ewen Rabier organises numerous nature or heritage walks, sometimes even both. He invites as many people as possible to follow in his footsteps or take routes he knows like the back of his hand. In total, there are a dozen different paths to choose from, depending on everyone’s preferences.
From the Rocher de la Pie to the Château de Loc-Envel, the guide picks out some very nice nature and heritage walks between Belle-Isle-en-Terre and Loc-Envel. The latter being Brittany’s least populated town but rich in heritage and the proud home to a listed church, jewel of the flamboyant Gothic art. Its gargoyles, stained glass windows or rood screen adorned with birds and arabesques deserve more than just a quick visit. It seems as if time has stopped in Loc-Envel and its tranquility is soothing. Walkers usually take a break here.
Loc-Envel, between history and legends
Although the village is inhabited by only 70 people, the legends are far more numerous. Starting from Loc-Envel, Ewen Rabier has created a nature and heritage circuit, of 3km or so, from the church to the castle through the forest. Two hours of discovery beginning at the washhouse of the village, then continuing to the Église Saint-Envel. There you can discover the legends of Saint-Envel, illustrated on the splendid stained glass windows. The 15th century church is richly decorated with its 16th century rood screen surprisingly placed at the entrance, and its numerous characters and creatures sculpted in the wood. Dragons, rabbits, crude characters… are depicted in the little church, symbolising the evil that lurks everywhere, forcing believers to remain vigilant… Here, evil is used as decor and supports the building by being carved into the wood. Towards the altar, more classical and biblical statues can be found, as well as another original feature : upside down angels stuck to the ceiling… This listed church is very rich in history and legends and Ewen Rabier is delighted to share those in detail, like the arrival of the saint that crossed the English Channel before finding refuge in this Inland Brittany to give his name to this village. After all the anecdotes are told, the visit continues to the cemetery to see the graves of the old princely family of the village : the Faucigny-Lucinge. On another note, they were also the first owners of the Château de Coat-an-Noz, located a few minutes from here.
The forest and its plant species
The walk continues in the forest to reach the infamous and imposing Château de Coat-an-Noz. For a few kilometers through the forest, Ewen Rabier adapts his speech to the public : a continuation of the stories and legends for the curious ones, or an education about nature for those who are interested, because the state forest Coat-an-Noz is teeming with species, especially plant ones ! It’s the occasion to discover the different tree species that inhabit this beautiful domain of almost a thousand hectares. One of its most majestic trees is an oak tree in the castle’s garden. It is 300 years old and dates back to medieval times. This remarkable tree commands both respect and admiration.
The castle : from the Faucigny-Lucinge family to Lady Mond
This discovery walk offers the possibility to visit the magnificent castle built in 1858 for the Faucigny-Lucinge princely family. It was then bought by the husband of the whimsical Lady Mond, a modest local girl married a rich citizen of her Britannic Majesty, Robert Mond.
But abandoned after the death of the Lady, from 1949 to 2011 the castle was nothing but a ruin on the brink of collapse. It was then bought by Bernard Moreau with the aim of saving it. Today, the current owner allows visits to this monument. Once inside, you will be stunned by its main staircase and its wide open spaces. Although undergoing renovation, the property remains stunning and leaves plenty to the imagination through Ewen Rabier’s anecdotes on the people who lived there.
(© Text:Publihebdos)
