To the west of the Montagnes Noires, and bordered to the north by the Nantes-Brest Canal, Gouézec's terrain is very uneven...
the promise of invigorating walks in the heart of Finistère!
This is where the Roche du Feu (Fire Rock) rises to 281 metres, offering a panoramic view of the diversity of our landscapes.
As you stroll along our hiking trails, you'll be surprised by the richness of our religious heritage...
A short climb... but a sporting one!
The Roche du Feu climb
Climb the Roche du Feu! Well, for other "mountains", 281 metres isn't much, but for us Bretons, it means a lot... After a few minutes' walk, a little breathless - or not! - the reward is at the top: a breathtaking view of the Aulne valley, the Monts d'Arrée to the north, the Bay of Douarnenez... An orientation table helps you identify these landscapes. It's said that, on a clear day, you can see all 33 of the surrounding bell towers... So, how many will you be able to count on your visit?
More information
The Breton name for La Roche du Feu is "Karreg-an-Tan", from Karreg, rock, and Tan, fire. This name derives from the site's strategic function during Viking raids in Brittany. To warn of the Vikings' arrival as they travelled up the River Aulne to plunder the interior, a first lookout positioned at the mouth of the river lit a large fire, which was then imitated by the one at Menez-Hom, before a third pyre was lit here, visible from all over the Châteaulin region. In short, the site acted as a semaphore!
A stopover in the village of Gouézec...
Discover Saint-Pierre church
In the heart of the village, the massive Saint-Pierre church (16th, 18th and 19th centuries) stands out. The monumental doorway features kersanton statuary depicting Saint Michael, Saint Nicholas, Saint John the Baptist and an unidentified bishop. Not so easy to recognize? Believe us, we've checked our sources! Then there's a calvary with a rather original structure, featuring two superimposed groups of sculptures. Visitors lucky enough to be able to enter the building will be able to admire, in particular, a beautiful stained-glass Passion window (circa 1550-1575).
A picnic break at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Tréguron?
We've tracked down a charming picnic spot for you! The 16th-18th-century chapel of the same name stands in a small hamlet, in the middle of a tree-lined placître. On special occasions, the building opens its doors: follow the calendar of events. Inside, you'll find an astonishing Virgin Mary breastfeeding and a beautiful statue of Saint Eloi.
notre-dame-des-trois-fontaines
A lovely heritage nugget!
This charming chapel is located in the middle of the countryside, but at a crossroads, once on the " Tro Breizh " route, which followed the ancient road from Quimper to Morlaix. Its imposing size is surprising, bearing witness to the prosperity of the former abbey, called "Coat Malouen", to which it belonged.
Notre-Dame-des-Trois-Fontaines chapel
Come and unearth some amazing details!
The building is full of surprises. Inside (open only occasionally in summer): interesting polychrome wooden statues, a stained-glass window depicting the Transfiguration, a 17th-century mural, and a corner tribune located, curiously, in the transept... Outside, astonishing sculptures on the ramps of the south arm of the transept, and an imposing triangular calvary, unfortunately incomplete. On the other side of the road, a surprising series of fountains, of course three in number, like the chapel's name!
Training or perfecting your skills
MOUNTAIN BIKE STADIUM
Not far from the town center (it's well signposted!), a mountain bike stadium is open to all with free access. The facilities include a pumptrack area (a closed off-road circuit with bumps and bends) and a trials area. It's also the starting point for 5 courses, one cross-country, the others downhill, ranging from easy to very difficult. Practical: maps are posted at the stadium entrance!
The tourist office has maps of Gouézec's mountain bike and hiking trails. The "best of": the Roche du Feu circuit covers 5.5 km and takes an estimated 2 hours to complete. The climb to the top of Roche-du-Feu is steep! To be avoided with young children, and, in wet weather, the rocks are slippery...
Photo credits: ©Le Saint Photographe - ©CL MHA - ©LLD MHA - ©E. Berthier CRT (header)
By car