Notre-Dame Basilica
An architectural gem
Built in the flamboyant Gothic style during the reign of Jean IV, Duke of Brittany, it was completed during the reign of his son Jean V in 1423. Anne de Bretagne visited the church on several occasions, reinforcing its popularity.
Although it suffered fire and damage during the revolutionary period, it has nevertheless preserved its incredible rood screen in finely chiselled kersanton stone. Outside, don't forget to take a look at the astonishing fountain, which rises from beneath the basilica's high altar.
Des visites guidées sont organisées en été par la SPREV et toute l’année sur réservation deux jours en avance auprès de l’association « Les Amis du Folgoët » (Noël Jacopin : 02 98 40 43 69 ou Jean-Claude Gilbert : 02 98 47 95 80).
600 years of the basilica
For the European Heritage Days 2023, the Folgoët Basilica celebrated its 600th anniversary! The festivities immersed the 10,000 visitors in the history and exceptional architecture of this monument. The spectacular sound and light show illuminated the centuries-old walls, and brought the audience to the rhythm of the concerts, as well as allowing them to meet craftsmen and people involved in living heritage.
Sound & light
Concerts
Living heritage
Local production
Notre-Dame Basilica
Fame & legend
Salaün ar Fol, builder of the Folgoët basilica?
No, of course not, but the words this character is said to have spoken throughout his life still resonate here. After his death, miracles are said to have occurred, making Le Folgoët a major pilgrimage site. Even today, over 20,000 pilgrims flock here every year on the first weekend in September. A collective moment where piety and belief mingle with a touch of folklore during the procession of banners and costumes.
Ribin' de L'imaginaire 2020
The hollow tree
In 2020, visual artist NUSH drew inspiration from the legend of Salaün ar Fol, offering a new reading of his story with "L'Arbre Creux" (The Hollow Tree). Installed behind the basilica, not far from the fountain, this bamboo ensemble recreates the life of this legendary character.
The basilica organ
After 300 years of silence, the basilica of Notre-Dame du Folgoët has its organs back.
Of the old instrument, destroyed in the church fire of 1708, nothing has survived other than an archive mentioning its purchase in 1584 from an unnamed Antwerp organ builder, and its arrival by ship via the port of Roscoff.
In 2009, inside the new organ case, designed in baroque style by Yves Bernard de Broëc and then built by craftsmen from the town of Chenaïen India in 1998, organ builder Bernard Hurvy and his team of specialists designed and built the instrument itself.
Its sound composition develops freely, and its structure is somewhat reminiscent of the local Franco-Flemish past. Thus open to a wide European musical repertoire, it is in keeping with the history of Folgoët.
Concerts are organized regularly.
Miraculous fountain
Miraculous fountains are nothing to sneeze at, especially in Brittany! Most communes, villages and localities have one. They cure headaches and footaches, following a precise ritual. The one in the basilica of Le Folgoët is special. It cures everything!
Virtual tour of the basilica's treasures
In 2019, the Folgoët Basilica Museum closed its doors. To showcase its treasures one last time, the Musée du Léon has devoted a temporary exhibition to it.
Captured in augmented reality, you can still visit it - virtually!
Private property
Guicquelleau manor house
You'll catch a glimpse if you follow the Folgoët trail (see below).
The manor house dates back to the 15th century and has many stories to tell.
Around 1514, it belonged to a brigand lord, Jehan Marec'h, nicknamed "le monstre du Folgoët" or "l'Attila de Lesneven".
For killing Baron Henri de Penmarc'h in St Frégant with a crossbow and 65 sword shots, he was tried and executed in 1527. This rivalry between the two manors has been well known for centuries!
The manor house is privately owned and cannot be visited.
Hiking & walking
Discover hidden treasures
If you're with the family, it's possible to take a short 800-meter walk along a path with stabilized ground. If you're lucky, you'll come across Ouessant black sheep and ditch goats along the way (which starts less than a hundred meters south of the basilica).
If you'd like to delve a little deeper, the 13 km hike from the basilica will allow you to discover the little nuggets of Folgoati's heritage.
If you're in a more inquisitive mood, the 13 km Folgoët hike starting from the basilica will reveal little nuggets of heritage along the way.
Le Folgoët, which borders Lesneven, benefits from most public transport services.