Châtelaudren-Plouagat
Côtes-d’Armor, Brittany
No one could guess that the chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Tertre, in Châtelaudren, hides an exceptional set of 138 panels of paintings on its 15th-century vaults. Deck chairs arranged inside the nave offer visitors a chance to relax and gaze at the stories
of the Old and New Testaments.
© Emmanuel Berthier
A small town of character in the Côtes d’Armor, Châtelaudren-Plouagat boasts surprising heritage. A prosperous trading hub and merchant city in the Middle Ages, the town was once famous for being a hotspot for fashion! Until 1983, Châtelaudren is where “Le Petit Écho de la Mode” used to be written and printed, a review that accompanied generations of French women for one hundred years. A cultural centre now occupies the building, which has become a symbol of the reconversion of France’s industrial heritage. The town also owes its reputation to the 15th-century chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Tertre. A group of 138 paintings illustrating the Old and New Testaments cover its walls, forming an absolute treasure for the town. Deck chairs arranged inside the chapel offer an exceptional experience to viewers. Contemporary stained-glass windows, designed in 1997 by the artist Henri Larrière, complete this remarkable setting. Between land and sea, Châtelaudren lives to the rhythm of its omnipresent water, which has broadly contributed to its development. While it has often been landscaped the Leff river brings a fresh escape to outdoor lovers, contributing to the town’s overall charm.