Attractions and Places To See around Carnoët - Top 20

Carnoët is home to the remarkable Valley of the Saints, a site featuring hundreds of monumental granite statues representing Brittany's founding saints. These statues, carved by contemporary Breton artists, stand between 3 and 5 meters high, offering a breathtaking panorama. You might even see sculptors at work, adding new figures to this unique 'Breton Stonehenge'.

Yes, Carnoët has several historical religious sites. You can visit the Church of St. Peter, rebuilt in 1889, which houses numerous polychrome statues. The 16th-century Chapel of St. Gildas is also notable for its intricate and unusual gargoyles. Other historic chapels include the 16th-century Chapel of Our Lady Pénity, the 18th-century Chapel Saint-Cado, and the 15th-century Chapel of Saint Corentin.

Just a short distance from Carnoët, in the legendary Huelgoat forest, you can discover the impressive Gouffre de Huelgoat Waterfall, where the river dramatically disappears into a chasm. Also in Huelgoat, don't miss The Fairies' Pond, known for its mystical legends and the distinctive orange hue of its water due to high iron content.

The region around Carnoët offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore the extensive Carnoët Forest (Toulfoën Forest) with its trails for walking, cycling, and horse-riding, particularly along the Laïta River. For a unique blend of nature and history, try the Canal de la Mine Trail, a scenic forest walk leading to an ancient silver-lead mine site.

Many attractions around Carnoët are suitable for families. The Valley of the Saints is a fascinating site for all ages, with its monumental statues and open spaces. The natural wonders of the Huelgoat forest, including the Gouffre de Huelgoat Waterfall and The Fairies' Pond, offer adventurous exploration. The Canal de la Mine Trail also provides an engaging forest walk for families.

For excellent panoramic views, head to the Valley of the Saints, which is situated on the feudal mound of Tossen Sant Gweltas. This elevated location provides expansive vistas over the surrounding countryside and the circular Poher region.

Carnoët offers various hiking opportunities, from easy strolls to more challenging routes. You can find detailed hiking trails and routes in our dedicated guide: Hiking around Carnoët. Popular options include loops around the Valley of the Saints and trails through the extensive Carnoët Forest.

Yes, the region is well-suited for cycling. The old railway line has been transformed into a greenway (No. 1 and No. 7), offering excellent routes for cyclists. You can find more information on gravel biking and MTB trails in our guides: Gravel biking around Carnoët and MTB Trails around Carnoët.

The Valley of the Saints is open year-round, with guided tours offered seasonally. Generally, the warmer months from spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the Carnoët Forest and exploring the natural sites, as the weather is more favorable.

Visitors frequently praise the unique blend of art, culture, and nature found at the Valley of the Saints, often highlighting the impressive scale of the statues and the wonderful photo opportunities. The mystical atmosphere and legends associated with natural sites like the Gouffre de Huelgoat Waterfall and The Fairies' Pond are also highly appreciated for their fascinating stories and scenic beauty.

Yes, for those exploring the greenways, the Scrignac Old Station Guesthouse serves as a refreshment bar and stopover gîte. Located on the old railway line transformed into a greenway (Vélodyssée route and GR380), it's a convenient and pleasant stopover for hikers and cyclists, offering accommodation and a small grocery store.