Tourism and cultural heritage of Brocéliande
Located in the heart of the age-old forest of Brocéliande, Paimpont has developed around an old abbey. A visit to the village and its surroundings offers you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the nature in an area steeped in history and legends...
Les sites légendaires
Numerous legendary sites in the forest of Brocéliande perpetuate the memory of the adventures of the Knights of the Round Table.
Le Val sans Retour is home to the legend of the untrue lovers. In this valley, lovelorn Morgan is said to have held captive all unfaithful knights. Only Lancelot is said to have been able to overcome the spell.
L’Hotié de Viviane, a tomb from the Neolithic era, offers a great view over the Val sans Retour. It is said to be the burial site of Vivian, who tricked Merlin into falling in love with her in order to steal his secrets.
Merlin, enchanted by the spell he had given to his loved one, was trapped under a dolmen. Le Tombeau de Merlin is said to host the spirit of the great wizard to this day. A few steps further lies the Fontaine de Jouvence.
La Fontaine de Barenton, a beautiful natural source with magical powers is said to have been witness to the meeting between Merlin and Vivian, as well as numerous knightly feats. More about the Fontaine de Barenton...
Le jardin aux Moines : megalithic monument dating from 2000 BC.
Le château et l’étang de Comper : The fairy Vivian is said to have kept Lancelot here, in his Crystal palace, hidden at the bottom of the lake.
Also worth a visit : Le château du Rox, Le Pas du Houx, Trécesson, La Chapelle Saint Jean, Le Tombeau du Géant,...
The Abbey of Paimpont
Located in the heart of the forest is Paimpont, built around the Notre Dame Abbey, dating from the 13th century.
The lake of Paimpont
The lake of Paimpont, a classified departmental natural area, gently curls around the Notre Dame Abbey. A track along the banks leads to the grotto and park, and offers a stunning view on the higher forest.
Forges de Paimpont
The Forges de Paimpont site is open to the public since September 2005. Major reconstruction work is underway to restore this area in its original state.
Hiking in Brocéliande
The Brocéliande forest is the largest forest of Brittany. Numerous walks allow discovering the forest in many ways:
- the tour de Brocéliande, a 70 km (44 miles) walkway, open from April to September
- the GR37, open all year round
- numerous short circular walks
- marked trails for mountain bikers