Chapelle de la Madeleine

The Madeleine chapel is one of the prettiest in the Bigouden region and well worth a visit. It is located close to the alignments and pretty thatched cottages, all in a superb setting of greenery. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, this marvellous edifice was initially dedicated to Saint-Étienne (western part). The chapel was later dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, when it was enlarged in the 16th century. Once belonging to the commune of Plomeur, the chapel was separated from it in 1802. The building has been listed as a historic monument since 20 July 1956. The open bell tower is topped by a spire. Two external staircases lead up to it. The nave dates from 1416 and has no aisles. The capitals of the nave are sculpted with geometric and plant motifs. It is separated from the choir (16th century) by a diaphragm arch. The chancel comprises 3 bays with north aisles and a flat chevet. The columns supporting a semi-circular arch have no capitals. There is also a 16th century pietà. There was probably a physical separation between the two parts of the chapel, as holes can be seen in the straight legs of the central arch. This separation may have served to isolate the lepers from the priest. The stained glass windows (1981) were designed by Jean Bazaine.