Brittany: L’Art dans les Chapelles

Every summer a unique art event takes place in the central Morbihan region of Brittany. Each year for the past 21 years, contemporary international artists have been invited to create site-specific works for the lovely, tiny, 15th- and 16th-century chapels that dot the countryside, forming an important part of the Breton heritage. This summer 19 artists have adorned 25 historic chapels around the city of Pontivy.

Visiting all the chapels would involve a drive of some 250 km, so four shorter driving itineraries have been mapped out and signposted to lead visitors to the sites. Each chapel has a guide on site to welcome visitors, and audioguides are also available. The Petit Journal has an overall map for visitors who prefer to construct their own itinerary; the 16-page guide, which includes information about the chapels and artists as well as restaurant and lodging suggestions, can be purchased for €3 at the chapels, local tourist offices, and the event’s headquarters, called the Point Accueil. For the first time this year, four bicycle routes have also been laid out—maps can be downloaded from the Art dans les Chapelles website, or picked up at the Point Accueil.

L’Art dans les Chapelles is a great reason to explore the Morbihan, whose name means “little sea” in Breton. A peaceful region with stunning scenery, it’s the only department in Brittany to have a southern coast that’s lined with hundreds of picturesque creeks, harbors and ports, with access to dozens of small outlying islands.

L’Art dans les Chapelles July 6 to September 16. In July and August the chapels are open from 2 to 7 pm every day except Tuesday; in September they are open Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 7 pm.

Point Accueil: Maison du Chapelain, Lieu-dit Saint Nicodème, Pluméliau. 02.97.51.97.21. www.artchapelles.com