So moving right along in my beautiful Bretagne , and an off the beaten path destination of Douarnenez. Even thus, it is the third most visited region by the French for vacation, the foreign visitors seems content with going back to the popular places. Brittany has a huge inventory of wonders with historically and architecturally gems such as the one showcase here. Again this one is an updated older post, and again added couple more pictures found! I like to tell you a bit more on the Church Saint Herlé of Douarnenez.
The Church Saint-Herlé, or Saint Erlé, is located in the Ploaré district of Douarnenez, Finistére Dept 29 of the region of Bretagne. This church is recognized as the most beautiful church in Douarnenez, according to many folks in the region. What strikes above all in the Church St Herlé is its superb bell tower, one of the most remarkable in the Cornish region. Situated on a height, in the center of the town, it dominates the whole country from its slender arrow, whose end rises more than 65 meters above the ground level.
The construction of the Church St Herlé began around 1548 as evidenced by an inscription visible at the base of the Tower; the Spire was built in several stages during the 17C. The whole thing is of the Cornish Gothic style. But the tower and its spire were rebuilt several times, probably after partial destruction due to lightning, especially in 1751, hence their composite character. The sacristy dates from the 18C.
The high altar, from the 17C, is adorned with a double Tabernacle and a Retable with turrets. At the door of the lower Tabernacle, the lamb is lying on the Cross. At the upper Tabernacle we see a carved monstrance framed by two virtues. At the top appears the risen Christ. To the left and to the right of the Tabernacle you can see the statues of St Peter and St Paul. Two beautiful carved oak chandeliers decorate the entrance of the choir; on the left, the figure Saint Herlé, in deacon; on the right, a beautiful group of the Trinity, where the dove overcomes the tiara of the Eternal Father. At the top of the north side is the altar of Ste. Anne, with twisted columns, with the Eternal Father on top. There are, also, modern statues of St. Anthony and St. Isidore.
The pulpit to preach seems from the 18C. It is equipped with five sculpted side panels, representing the four evangelists, with Saint Herlé at the central panel. At the bottom of the south collateral, you will notice a fireplace with the baptismal font. At the north side, in an already ancient tomb, was buried Marguerite Le Nobletz, sister of DOM Michel. Several mothers lay down their slow little children to walk, after having carried them processionally along the naves.
The Church Saint-Herlé has hosted numerous sermons by the famous preacher DOM Michel Le Nobletz. A stained-glass window dating from 1902 depicts him leaving Douarnenez in front of his crying followers. A bas-relief of the Church dating from the 16C represents sardines on which a gull is eaten them; it is a lasting testimony of the ancient importance of the sardine fishing industry in Brittany. And still big as the best is from there today and we buy them!
Some webpages to help you plan your trip are:
The city of Douarnenez and its heritage: https://www.mairie-douarnenez.fr/decouvrir/patrimoine-religieux/les-eglises-de-la-ville-de-douarnenez.html
The Douarnenez tourist office on the church: https://douarnenez-tourisme.co.uk/decouvrir/patrimoine-et-culture/eglises-et-chapelles/eglise-de-saint-herle/
A private webpage on the Friends of Saint Herlé Church: https://amisdesaintherle.jimdo.com/
There you go folks, another historically and architecturally nice monument in the Finistére breton of Brittany or Bretagne or Breizh. This is the Church Saint Herlé! Hope you have enjoy the small tour.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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