Paris1972-Versailles2003

I am again on my road warrior trips in my beautiful Morbihan, and coming back to places dear to us. I finally came back to see the homeopathic doctor who treated my dear late wife Martine and walk a bit in city center Surzur to admire the nice Church of Saint Symphorien. I have taken long to be back, but its a must, memories forever. Hope you enjoy the post as I.

Surzur is located between the Rhuys peninsula with the town of Sarzeau; the Pénerf river, with the towns of Tour-du-Parc, Damgan and Ambon; the Gulf of Morbihan with the towns of Saint-Armel, Le Hézo and Theix-Noyalo; finally, La Trinité-Surzur and Lauzach. All very nice and several posts in my blog. The town is  located 16 km from Vannes, and 52 km from my house ! I have written before on the church, this is an update with new pictures.

The Church of Saint-Symphorien ,11-12C, redesigned in the 16C on the sacristy,and 19C the stained glass windows, doors, stands and paneling, and in the 20C. It is in the shape of a Latin cross. It comprises a nave of four bays with aisles, a transept and a flat bedside choir flanked by a chapel in the south. The nave and the square of the transept are Romanesque: the nave communicates with the aisles by large arched arches laid on cylindrical piles. Above the large arcades are small semicircular windows. The triumphal arched arch is carried by columns committed to capitals decorated with stylized foliage, oven and volutes. The choir and the cross-braces, redone in the 16C, have again been retouched since. The southern Chapel of the Choir presents a beautiful flamboyant decoration.

Under the name of Saint Symphorien, the church has undergone many transformations. The oldest part of is the west porch with a semicircular Romanesque arch dating from the end of the 11C. A side chapel in the Gothic style was added in the 16C. The current bell tower was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20C. A stone calvary in the form of an altar stands on the south side of the church. Inside, near the baptismal font, a painting, made in 1938 represents a Virgin and Child with the title Notre Dame des Moissons.

The city of Surzur on the church: https://www.surzur.fr/eglise-et-presbytere/

There you go folks, a nice ride into coastal Morbihan and a quant city center of Surzur. The Church of Saint Symphorien is a bonus to see. And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

Again, hanging around my neighborhood of small towns near me this is another gem in the off the beaten path of my beautiful Morbihan. It is great pleasure to tell you about this little known places that offer a nice half day tour of wonderful historical places. This is just 6 km from my house ! Hope you enjoy my bit of introduction to the étang de la Forêt of Brandivy !

The barony of Lanvaux, whose castle fortress was on the banks of the étang de la Forêt or pond of the forest, was one of the oldest in Bretagne. The Lords of Lanvaux sat in the States General of Brittany (old parliament). The barony was ceded by Duke Jean IV in 1383 to the Collegiate Church of Saint-Michel of Brech , except the ruins of the castle, the park, the forest and the pond of the forest, which the Duke of Brittany reserved. In 1464, this part was given by Duke François II to André de Laval, Lord of Lohéac, Marshal of France, who resumed the title of Baron de Lanvaux. Louis II of Rohan-Guémené, Lord of Guémené, made the same in 1485, as well as his successors Louis IV in 1508 and Louis V in 1527, who, along with his heirs, neglected this title thereafter.

I have mentioned the town of Brandivy on a previous post on its heritage. The artificial lake of the étang de la forêt of Brandivy is nature heavens with free access to the playground, outdoor fitness center, climbing, fishing, hiking. Also, a supervised section for sailing, kayaking, pedalo, climbing, archery, orienteering, and mountain biking. The refreshment bar, rental of pedal boats and kayaks from July 1 to August 31: Monday to Friday from 13h45 to 18h30 , and from Saturday to Sunday from 13h45 to 18h45.  You have the artificial lake or étang de la fôret, a large lake with oars and pedal boats fishing allowed ,picnic tables and scale walls of 6-8 meters as well as playground for kiddies. There is a snack bar open from 14h30 to 19h . A great family outing in nature; the boats are on fees of 6-8 euros per hour.Last check.

A pleasant stroll to do on foot in unspoiled nature , and children can also cycle around the pond. The walk is also accessible to strollers, only the footbridge to cross the pond is a little more difficult, but doable. You need a car to get here the Etang de la Fôret, Brandivy , road D779   just before arriving Bieuzy Lanvaux; a village of Pluvigner. However, if in the area and with small children, early teens this is a nice detour to do me think.

The town of Brandivy on the Etang de la Forêt: https://www.brandivy.fr/la%80%99etang-foret-base-loisirs-c40.html

The Gulf of Morbihan tourist board on the étang de la Forêt: https://www.golfedumorbihan-vannesagglomeration.bzh/la-base-de-loisirs-de-brandivy

There you go folks, another off the beaten path site in my beautiful Morbihan near me and always plenty to do and see around my neck of the woods. Hope you enjoy the étang de la Forêt of Brandivy as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!