Visit to Calvaire-Saint-Jean-TrolimonVisit to Calvaire-Saint-Jean-Trolimon
©Visit to Calvaire-Saint-Jean-Trolimon |A. Lamoureux
Saint-Jean-Trolimon

Saint-Jean-Trolimon

A small commune in the Bigouden region, it is home to a treasure trove of heritage: the chapel of Tronoën, nicknamed the “Cathedral of the Dunes”, and its monumental Calvary.

Getting there

In the heart of Audierne Bay

The commune of Saint-Jean-Trolimon borders the coast and offers lush green countryside perfect for walking.

A well-preserved natural heritage and a wealth of heritage sites make this small commune an essential holiday destination. On your way to Tronoën beach, you’ll come across the Notre-Dame de Tronoën chapel. Its imposing calvary is considered to be the oldest of the 7 monumental calvaries in Brittany.

Don’t stop there! At the end of this straight stretch to the ocean is the beautiful beach of Tronoën, popular with surfers for its regular waves.

One of the highlights of the year takes place every year in September: the pardon of the surfers. After mass outside the chapel, the surfers and other worshippers make their way in procession to the fountain a few metres from the sanctuary. The officiant then proceeds to bless the surfboards. This is followed by a convivial picnic.

The must-haves

Built in the15th century, the Notre-Dame de Tronoën chapel was first dedicated to Saint Maudez, then to Notre-Dame de Tronoan, invoked by the families of sailors who disappeared at sea to find their bodies.

It is known as the “Cathedral of the Dunes” because it was built just 1.5 km from the beach. Its stone vault, 3.35-metre granite altar, bell tower and two belfries make it unique.

Inside the chapel, take time to admire the statuary:
– Notre-Dame des 7 douleurs (Our Lady of 7 Sorrows), which evokes the painful moments in the Virgin’s life.
– Notre-Dame de Tronoën, holding an open book: a symbol of teaching.

The Calvary of Tronoën was built in the 15th century, as was the chapel beside it.

Several scenes are depicted around its base, recounting 30 stages in the life of Christ. They are spread over 3 levels. Sea monsters, pagans and the topless Virgin Mary stand alongside religious representations. This is the oldest of the 7 great calvaries in Brittany.

The Calvary at Tronoën was built in the 15th century, as was the chapel beside it.

Several scenes are depicted around its base, recounting 30 stages in the life of Christ. They are spread over 3 levels. Sea monsters, pagans and the topless Virgin Mary stand alongside religious representations.

This is the oldest of the 7 great calvaries in Brittany.

A reminder of the German presence in the commune during the Second World War, this blockhouse was built in 1942 using materials from the pebble crusher at Tréguennec. It forms part of the “Atlantic Wall”, a defensive system along the French coast. Visible from Tronoën beach, it was originally built much further back from the shore.

An earthenware eye made by the artist Pierre Chanteau is hidden inside… It’s up to you to find it!

The House of Breton Games

The Maison des Jeux Bretons is not a museum, but a place for families and friends to discover or rediscover traditional Breton games.

In a covered area, come and try your hand at around fifteen traditional Breton games, each more fun and original than the last: trou du chat, palets sur planche, boule montante, boules bretonnes, boultenn, birinig…
The games are suitable for children and adults, with no age limit!

There’s no set circuit, so you’re free to play as you please.

An activity leader is on hand to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

During the summer, in addition to the indoor games, there are also outdoor games, depending on the weather conditions.

FAQ

Continue on your way in the Bigouden region