From the XVth to the XVIIIth century, the emulation between the parishes in Léon, the prosperity of textile industry and the tremendous religious fervor have led to the construction of numerous enclosures, rivalling in ornamental wealth. Anonymous or well-known sculptors, cabinetmakers, painters, goldsmiths and glassworkers have put their skills in common and given free rein to their imagination while building these commissioned works of art. Under the influence of celtic culture, the Ankou, or Death, still figures next to unsettling chimaeras and cheeky gargoyles looking down from their guards' post. They seem to be stuck in the stone as in a timewarp.

 

Along 55km, this tour leads into the very heart of the Elorn valley, the land of masters of sculpture. You'll come across one of the last lived-in bridges in Europe (with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence), and to admire the ochre-yellow tints of the houses built in stones from Logonna.

One of Brittany's most beautiful parish enclosures, the one in Guimiliau, is the highlight of this 90km round tour, that also boasts the mills of Kerouat and the Drennec lake, in the heart of the wild and mysterious Monts d'Arrée.

 

This 70km long route leads to the latest built enclosure of Léon, the Saint Thégonnec enclosure. Successfully combining the diversity and the experiences of its predecessors, it is also the best designed. In Morlaix, the home of Tristan Corbière, you will follow steep alleys and flights of stairs in search of the last “maisons lanternes”.