Tonquédec is a commune in Côtes-d'Armor, in the Brittany region, 10 km south-east of Lannion.
Its territory of 18 km² is located in the heart of the country of Trégor (one of the old administrative and religious divisions of Brittany) and falls under Argoat (literally "the country of the Woods", as opposed to the most coastal areas.).
85% covered with agricultural land and forests, the locality is famous for its fortified castle built at the end of the 12th century on a promontory overlooking the Léguer valley, a coastal river.
This vast site with a troubled history, stronghold of a large family of the Breton nobility, the Coëtmen, was saved from ruin and it is now the main asset of the city which also has a rich religious heritage. Visit Tonquédec where there are nearly 1200 inhabitants is synonymous with diving into the rich past of Brittany but also refreshing walks in the wooded valley...
A detour is essential during a stay in the Côtes- from Armor!
Classified as a Historic Monument since 1862, the castle of Tonquédec is an example of medieval military architecture with its eleven towers, its drawbridge, its farmyard and its machicolations... Dominating the valley, it is the seat of the lords of Coëtmen-Penthièvre from the thirteenth century. The original building was however largely destroyed in 1394 during the wars of succession in Brittany. A few years later, Roland III de Coëtmen, who pledged allegiance to the new Duke, began reconstruction and his descendants continued to expand the fortress. It is also suitable for the development of artillery. Most of the prestigious remains that can be seen today date from this period.
The castle then passed to the families of Acigné and Gouyon de la Moussaye, however, Richelieu, who was wary of the great provincial powers, had the castle dismantled during the first half of the 17th century. Saved from complete ruin, and even from a transformation into a quarry, the monument has been the object of preservation and restoration campaigns since the 1950s. It has now recovered much of its former luster, and its proud silhouette which overlooks the wooded valley evokes centuries of history. Specific activities are scheduled on the last weekend of July (medieval festival and reconstitution of a camp), in mid-August (craft market) and during Heritage Days. The castle, still private, is open to visitors every day from April to September, weekends in October and during the All Saints holidays. Price: 3 and 6 euros. Information on +33 9 75 68 65 23 and +33 2 96 05 60 70.
Then direction the village itself and its hamlets to understand a religious heritage of great wealth.
This is the case near the castle of the Saint-Gildas chapel (1510) in Gothic style, which houses several wooden statues in the form of bas-reliefs and a 19th century fresco.
Then place at the Saint-Pierre church, formerly dependent on the bishops of Tréguier, which had the rank of collegiate church in 1447. Rebuilt in 1835, there is still a tower dated 1773, doors from the 15th century, the bedside with its colored stained-glass windows from the 15th century and a font from the 13th century. Inside, a 17th century painting and the coat of arms of the Lords of Coëtmen are to be observed.
The chapel of Kerrivoallan (17th century) with its oak tribune, its sculpted pilasters and its polychrome wooden statues, the oratory of Rubudas (an unfinished chapel on a site where justice was administered before 1789), the chapel of Saint-Guénolé (restored in the 1980s), next to a secular yew, or the chapel of Loc are also worth a visit: dating from 1755, the latter is linked to three monumental calvaries nearby.
Crosses and calvaries (there are 18 in all on the municipal territory!), Fountains and houses of character in granite will also mark out these walks dedicated to the heritage of the municipality. There is also a specific hiking trail with the castle as a starting point and connecting several elements of the village's heritage (accessible to families, 7 km long).
Other hiking routes (which can also be traveled on horseback and for some by mountain bike) follow the Léguer valley, cross wooded areas and are dotted with historic sites or with rich biodiversity. Maps and information on +33 2 96 05 60 70 or +33 2 96 35 87 02.
It is also possible to take advantage of the Léguer course to indulge in fishing or go down the small coastal river by canoe to the bay from Lannion. Information on +33 2 96 05 60 70.
You can also join the outings of the local cycle tourism club: contact on +33 2 96 35 84 67.
