Again revisiting old hangouts in my beautiful Morbihan and lovely Bretagne, I got my road warrior mode on and went over to the Presqu’Île de Rhuys peninsula to take another look at Saint Armel and its Church Saint Armel, I like to tell you a bit more as well of the marshes and the Île Tascon, Hope you enjoy this new post as I.
I have come many times to the Rhuys peninsula, and its many towns , with post spread all over my blog, However, small quant Saint Armel is well nice and worth the passing at least onward to the Tascon island. The Church of Saint-Armel is worth a look while en route to Tascon, even if only opens once a month and difficult to see inside.
The small town or rather village of Saint-Armel has a quant church and a nice story, Saint Armel was born in Ireland in 482. He became a monk and had to flee the pagans during invasions. He then settled as a hermit near Quimper (see posts) before founding the monastery of Plouarzel. Humanist and wise, he advised in Paris the king of the time, Childebert 1er. But the turpitudes of the court made him go to Morbihan where he died in 552. His reputation for justice and his qualities as a healer (headaches, rheumatism, fever or colic) gave him the title of patron saint of hospitals and chaplaincies. The village of Saint Armel grew rich through taxes and became a stake between the Church and the parliament, especially in the middle of the 17C. The farm of Tascon (b 1740), the salt marshes of Lasné and the windmill of 1715 also brought good subsidies to the monks. But after the French revolution where everything was confiscated, there was nothing left of this wealth.
The council and region jointly decided on August 18, 1855,to redo and enlarge the chapel around the restored original tower and the work began 10 days later to stop in January 1856, for lack of funding. In July, the prefect imposes the continuation of the works which causes the resignation of the council. In November, the new mayor obtains from the prefect that St Armel becomes a town, sells some land and work resumes in 1857. These will be spread out in installments, according to municipal decisions, until September 20, 1865, date of the ‘inauguration. The Saint Armel Church is done in a classic style with a square tower of Romanesque inspiration, all in the shape of a Latin cross and without frills, given the difficulties of already finding the funds to erect the church. Relatively high, and with large openings without stained glass, the whole is very bright and welcoming. Note a large modern painting behind the regularly flowered altar and some beautiful statues of St Gildas, St Armel and St Isidore which recalls the rural past of the town. Finally, it is worth noting the presence of a statue of the Virgin and Child, delicately draped, in molded cardboard covered with gold dating from the construction.
The Île Tascon is connected to the mainland by the rade of Tascon which is located on the coast of the town of Saint Armel. This submersible road connects the island of Tascon to the mainland parts of the town. The passage is only possible at low tide, about five hours per tidal cycle, for automobiles and pedestrians. The passage road is approximately 400 meters long. We have taken the car to the parking before the passage and then walk over, couple times, It is a magical spot indeed,and we love it, After crossing the passage or concrete road , you can walk along the paths on the island, You can stop at the farm ferme de l’ile de Tascon ; there are products for direct sale, salt, jellies honey all done on site or around the area,Treat yourselves to a break at the very end of the island and admire the panorama. Then, on the way back, go to the beach and enjoy the iodized air and the surrounding landscapes. However, don’t forget the time because you come in via a submersible path and the water rises very quickly! If you want to extend the walk on the other side, take a walk around the salt marshes !
The town of Saint Armel on heritage : http://www.mairie-saint-armel.fr/fr/association/1/1674/paroisse
The local Gulf of Morbihan on the Tascon island : https://www.golfedumorbihan.bzh/explorer-vannes/decouvrir-vannes/golfe-morbihan/les-iles-du-morbihan/iles/tascon/
The local Gulf of Morbihan tourist office on the sea salt marshes of Tascon island of St Armel :https://www.golfedumorbihan.bzh/nature/le-sel-marin-de-saint-armel/
There you go folks, another gem in my world and so close to me, will definitively check it out again ,worth the detour! This was a nice off the beaten path trip to Saint Armel and the Île Tascon, Hope you enjoy as I
And remember, happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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