Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Clarté chapel, located in Perros-Guirec in the Côtes-d'Armor, is a 15th-century religious building, emblematic of Breton flamboyant style. According to the local tradition, its construction was ordered in 1445 by Pierre de Tournemine, lord of Barac This account, transmitted since the 15th century, links the building to a strong Marian devotion, typical of Brittany of the time.

The history of the chapel is marked by miraculous episodes, including that of August 1944, where a thick mist protected Perros-Guirec from German and allied bombings for four days, leading to the surrender of German troops without combat. This event strengthened the cult of Notre-Dame de la Clarté, crowned "Queen of Peace" after the war. The chapel, classified as a Historical Monument as early as 1904, houses a remarkable cross path painted by Maurice Denis in the 20th century and ex-votos marine showing its protective dimension.

The architecture of the chapel is distinguished by its openwork bell tower in pink granite, located at 45° compared to the nave, a singularity in Brittany. Inside, the south porch, vaulted with dogives, houses 17th-century polychrome wooden statues, including a Virgin with Child and a Saint Anne teaching Mary. The nave, short and flanked by a single north side, preserves traces of its 15th century jube, destroyed in the 19th century. The stained glass windows, made in the 20th century by Quintin's workshop, and the flamboyant glass mistress complete this artistic ensemble.

The chapel is also the scene of an annual pardon, on 14 and 15 August, mixing processions, solemn Masses and the "tanad", a wildfire lit on a terrace overlooking the sea. This event, chaired by a guest bishop, attracts faithful in traditional Breton costumes and celebrates both penance and Marian protection. Despite recent fires (1995) and structural problems (closure in 2023 for infiltration), the chapel remains a major spiritual and heritage symbol of the region.

The alleged founders of the chapel debate: if local tradition attributes its construction to Pierre de Tournemine, 17th century archives reveal the coat of arms of Roland IV de Coëtmen, lord of Ker Uzec and cross, who died around 1470. The latter, close to the Duke Jean V of Brittany, would have financed part of the work, alongside the family of Lannion, including Yvon, lieutenant general of the Breton Admiralty. These nobles, linked to the Guesclin and Chateaubriand, illustrate the aristocratic and maritime anchor of the building.

Today, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Clarté chapel, owned by the commune, has been closed to the public since May 2023 because of the risk of collapse. Its association of backup, dissolved, can no longer guarantee its promotion, but a virtual visit and photographs of works (such as the Way of the Cross of Maurice Denis) remain accessible online. Its classification as Historic Monuments in 1915 underscores its heritage importance, despite the challenges of its preservation.

External links