Plougonven is a commune in the Finistère in Brittany, 10 km southeast of Morlaix.
Its vast territory of 69 square kilometers and has an elongated shape from north to south and an average width of 4 km. Rising to 307 meters above sea level, it marks the beginning of Mount Arrée and rolling terrain is due to the presence of several rivers.
They have in the past allowed the development of windmills, symbolizing agricultural activity which remains active today although woodlots and moors, south-west of ecological interest some, add to the bucolic and rural character the locality.
Already occupied in Neolithic times (presence of dolmens) and in antiquity, Plougonven is part of the Middle Ages the manor of Morlaix and the parish is dominated by three lordships which share land: KERLOAGUEN, Garspern and Rosampoul.
With now about 3500 inhabitants, the village and the hamlets have preserved a special heritage justifying the award of the "Rural Heritage City of Britain". The green environment conducive to hiking and proximity to the coast (Morlaix Bay and the neighboring resorts of the Côte des Bruyeres 15 minutes) make it a pleasant stop during a stay in the north of Finistère.
The heritage jewel of the town is its parish close, that is to say, the church, the Calvary and the ossuary that form a set as such.
Dedicated to St. Yves, the church was built from 1511 to 1523 to plans by Philippe Beaumanoir, famous architect of the region, in a Gothic style. Restored after a fire in 1930, the building is decorated with a balcony bell tower which is accessed by a turret staircase and is surrounded by many gargoyles. Note the stone altars granite Kersanton and twin doors of the porch on the side, surmounted arms and motto of Lord Peter Gaspern.
The ordeal adjoining the church dates for its part 1554 and rests on a solid base of 4 meters high. Two rows of cornices illustrate through an abundant statuary scenes from the life of Christ (including the Passion) and St. Yves. the remarkable attention to detail is observed (Costume characters, either peasants or nobles, loyal to those at the time, the sixteenth century), and traces of paint (the ordeal was polychrome originally). A chapel, an ossuary (actually a chapel) with Gothic windows and covered with slates of the region and a carved tomb complete the enclosure considered one of the best of Britain.
Note that the church subject to a restoration campaign, a permanent photographic exhibition was located on the site to connect to the center of town.
Besides this enclosure, as is tradition in the region, several fountains to once regarded water as therapeutic and twenty shrines and wayside crosses are scattered over the village and its surrounding countryside (including the plight of Kerhervé (XVI) and four statues).
See again the mansion Mézédern (XV and XVI) with a courtyard which is accessed by a home-porch from 1558 and a tower with pigeon: Recently restored, it is the second site with protected enclosures as historical monuments of the town.
Finally, this heritage discovery may further include the mansion of the Tower (built in the fifteenth century but much modified) and two wells with columns (that of KERLOAGUEN, included in the Inventory, and of Presbitel).
In terms of recreation and sports "nature", also a city stadium, Plougonven delight hikers.
Thus, the greenway connecting Morlaix and Carhaix Concarneau passes through the municipality and proves an ideal circuit for joggers, walkers or cyclists.
In the same town, three marked routes are available: the mountain trail (22 km), the ride Gaspern (13 km) and the town of the circuit. It is also possible to join since Plougonven ATV circuits Arrée.
In or outside these excursions, a break is recommended in protected areas of heathland and called bog "moors Cragou and Vergam" south of the territory (the protected area includes land on neighboring municipalities). The Bretagne Vivante association regularly offers guided tours of these sensitive areas for wildlife and protected and remarkable flora (orchids, harriers, rare varieties of ferns). Information at +33 2 98 79 71 98.
For hiking, maps and information +33 2 98 62 14 94 or +33 2 98 78 64 04.
Finally, note that it is always useful to learn about the activities (hiking, workshops, exhibitions) programmed by the Regional Natural Park of Brittany: Contact +33 2 98 81 90 08.
