The best traffic-free bike rides around Daoulas

The Château de La Roche-Maurice, a historic Breton jewel from the 13th century, dazzles with its medieval architecture. Nestled in lush greenery, it offers an immersive experience in the feudal past.

Nice to see when you drive past it in the valley. It's impressive how the dilapidated castle 🏰 sits at the top of the hill. La Roche Maurice, residence of the Viscounts of Léon The castle was first mentioned in 1263, but it is undoubtedly older. With those of MORLAIX, BREST and LESNEVEN, it was one of the most important fortresses of the Viscounts of Léon. These lords wielded considerable power: in addition to their land income, they possessed the right to control ships that ran aground on the shores of Léon, the monopoly of salt production and the catching of large fish, the right to high, middle and low justice, the law , to mint money and build fortresses without requiring the Duke's permission. As a result, this prince could hardly control the actions of these powerful feudal lords, which explains why Henry II Plantagenet, King of England, wanted to get his hands on the duchy in the third quarter of the 12th century, they were among his most ardent opponents. Source: https://larochemaurice.fr/chateau/

The current parish church has replaced a 14th-century medieval chapel dedicated to Saint-Yves (Testament of Hervé de Léon, dated 1363). It was built in the 16th century. It was at first the Trevial Church of Ploudiry until 1791. The Rohans ceded the land free of charge and paid numerous subsidies to support the building's reconstruction, which took almost half a century to complete. In fact, the stained glass window in the apse dates from 1589; the south portal dates from 1550, the 60 meter high bell tower from 1589. With its double gallery and double bell chamber, it is characteristic of the Leonardo Renaissance. The south portal consists of two double doors framed by an extravagant Renaissance arcade in which the twelve apostles nestle. Source: https://larochemaurice.fr/leglise-saint-yves-et-lenclos-paroissial

The current parish church has replaced a 14th-century medieval chapel dedicated to Saint-Yves (Testament of Hervé de Léon, of 1363). It was built in the 16th century. It was at first the Trevial Church of Ploudiry until 1791. The Rohans ceded the land free of charge and paid numerous subsidies to support the building's reconstruction, which took almost half a century to complete. In fact, the stained glass window in the apse dates from 1589; the south portal dates from 1550, the 60 meter high bell tower from 1589. With its double gallery and double bell chamber, it is characteristic of the Leonardo Renaissance. The south portal consists of two double doors framed by an extravagant Renaissance arcade in which the twelve apostles nestle. Source: https://larochemaurice.fr/leglise-saint-yves-et-lenclos-paroissial/

The Saint-Salomon church is located in a presbytery , one of the most beautiful in Léon , whose construction took place between the 11th and 17th centuries. It was classified by order of February 28, 1916. The current church dates mainly from the 13th century (the columns and the south aisle date from this period), but the apse was rebuilt around 1450 after a storm partially destroyed the church would have. Source: https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89glise_Saint-Salomon_de_La_Martyre