Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Servais - Top 20

The Château de La Roche-Maurice, a historic Breton jewel from the 13th century, dazzles with its medieval architecture. Nestled in lush greenery, it offers an immersive experience in the feudal past.

The commune of LA ROCHE MAURICE located in the Pays du Léon reveals on a hill the ruins of its castle built in the 5th century which overlooks the Elon valley. Its history is linked to the counts of Léon and deserves to be known. The visit takes place at the foot of the ruins and the walker can see the efforts it took to build this castle currently under construction. If you want to know a little more, here is one of the sites which will immerse you in the history of the Roc'h Morvan castle (https://larochemaurice.fr/chateau). Good reading

This bridge crossing the Elorn is one of the oldest in Europe. It is also one of the few still inhabited.

The Elorn flows under this bridge which has retained its medieval appearance. The alleys surrounding old Landerneau complete the picture.

Nice to see when you drive past it in the valley. It's impressive how the dilapidated castle 🏰 sits at the top of the hill. La Roche Maurice, residence of the Viscounts of Léon The castle was first mentioned in 1263, but it is undoubtedly older. With those of MORLAIX, BREST and LESNEVEN, it was one of the most important fortresses of the Viscounts of Léon. These lords wielded considerable power: in addition to their land income, they possessed the right to control ships that ran aground on the shores of Léon, the monopoly of salt production and the catching of large fish, the right to high, middle and low justice, the law , to mint money and build fortresses without requiring the Duke's permission. As a result, this prince could hardly control the actions of these powerful feudal lords, which explains why Henry II Plantagenet, King of England, wanted to get his hands on the duchy in the third quarter of the 12th century, they were among his most ardent opponents. Source: https://larochemaurice.fr/chateau/

The current parish church has replaced a 14th-century medieval chapel dedicated to Saint-Yves (Testament of Hervé de Léon, dated 1363). It was built in the 16th century. It was at first the Trevial Church of Ploudiry until 1791. The Rohans ceded the land free of charge and paid numerous subsidies to support the building's reconstruction, which took almost half a century to complete. In fact, the stained glass window in the apse dates from 1589; the south portal dates from 1550, the 60 meter high bell tower from 1589. With its double gallery and double bell chamber, it is characteristic of the Leonardo Renaissance. The south portal consists of two double doors framed by an extravagant Renaissance arcade in which the twelve apostles nestle. Source: https://larochemaurice.fr/leglise-saint-yves-et-lenclos-paroissial

The current parish church has replaced a 14th-century medieval chapel dedicated to Saint-Yves (Testament of Hervé de Léon, of 1363). It was built in the 16th century. It was at first the Trevial Church of Ploudiry until 1791. The Rohans ceded the land free of charge and paid numerous subsidies to support the building's reconstruction, which took almost half a century to complete. In fact, the stained glass window in the apse dates from 1589; the south portal dates from 1550, the 60 meter high bell tower from 1589. With its double gallery and double bell chamber, it is characteristic of the Leonardo Renaissance. The south portal consists of two double doors framed by an extravagant Renaissance arcade in which the twelve apostles nestle. Source: https://larochemaurice.fr/leglise-saint-yves-et-lenclos-paroissial/

The parish close is the religious space which is dedicated to the passer-by, to all comers. It allows the illiterate to understand the strong and important moments of the Catholic religion. It is still located in the village, in the center of the parish. We say enclosed, because always closed and surrounded by a wall. In central Brittany, we always find this triptych associated: church, ossuary and parish enclosure. The ossuary is also a Breton particularity: it is an openwork granite monument where the skulls, shins and various bones of the dead are carefully stored. A stylish way to make room in the cemetery. Some ossuaries are filled, others have been emptied of their contents. The parish enclosure of Lampaul-Guimillau is absolutely remarkable. You can see the many character details of the statues. It is an art that is both naive and severe. It's a bit like a comic book but sculpted. A real architectural and religious treasure of the rich Breton culture. This enclosure is nicknamed "the tanners' enclosure". In 1780, there were more than 146 tanneries in the commune. The profits from this activity enabled the construction of this enclosure and the exceptional brilliance of its sculptures.