Saint-Pol-de-Leon

Visit Saint-Pol-de-Leon, Brittany

Saint-Pol-de-Leon is a town 15km northwest of Morlaix, near the coast in the Finistère department of north-western Brittany, and with several interesting buildings to enjoy as well as easy access to the Brittany coast.

Exploring Saint-Pol-de-Leon

The two most important monuments in the town are both religious: the Cathedral Saint-Paul-Aurelien and the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Kreisker.

Cathedral Saint-Paul-Aurelien: Dominating the town, the gothic style cathedral dates in part from the 13th - 14th century (the facade and side walls), with the remainder (the choir and chapels) being reconstructed in the 16th century. The cathedral has an impressive facade with 50 metre high ornate towers on either side and a balcony from which the bishop could address the church followers.

Inside the cathedral, which holds the relics of Saint-Pol, there is a great deal to admire including numerous stained glass windows from the 14th to 17th centuries, some carved wooden stalls and a 17th century organ.

Chapel of Notre-Dame du Kreisker: Building of this roman style chapel was completed in the 15th century. Much the most prominent feature is the 78 metre high belfry, which is the tallest to be found in Brittany. You can climb up inside the belfry for lovely views out to sea and across Saint-Pol-de-Leon itself.

Maison Prebendale: Among our favourite non-religious buildings in Saint-Pol-de-Leon is the Maison Prebendale, the 16th century house in Grande Rue that was previously used by church dignitaries - it is now used primarily for art exhibitions. Even if there is not an exhibition at the time of your visit you can admire the outside of the building with its renaissance style entrance, ornate windows and central square tower, and the statues that decorate the roof.

The town also contains some other interesting buildings, including other manor houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries such as the Manoir de Keroulas.

Beaches and coast

The beach at Kersaliou is the closest, and a little way to the east of Saint-Pol-de-Leon.

There is also a very attractive coast path that heads south from Kersaliou and passes along the harbour in Pempoul port as well as two more popular beaches and some scenic viewpoints - be sure to walk out along the Saint Anne beach (isthmus) for views from the islet at the end of the beach.

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Pol-de-Leon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Morlaix 16km; Locquirec 24km; Landerneau 32km; Guerlesquin 34km; Tregastel 38km; Lannion 39km; Perros-Guirec 42km; Cote de Granit Rose 44km; Le Faou 45km; Armorique Regional Park 46km; Treguier 56km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Saint-Pol-de-Leon

Saint-Pol-de-Leon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin exotique - remarkable garden (5km) : Jardin Delasselle - remarkable garden (8km) : Arboretum de Poërop - remarkable garden (39km) : Conservatoire botanique du Stangalac'h - remarkable garden (49km) : Brest - ville fleurie 4* (49km) : Menez-Hom - site of natural beauty (54km) : Saint-Renan - recommended detour (55km) : Jardin du Kestellic - remarkable garden (56km) :

French version: see Saint-Pol-de-Leon (Francais)