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Origin and history

The Notre-Dame-de-Tréavrec chapel, also known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Force or Notre-Dame de Grace, is located at the place called Tréavrec (Bihan), in the municipality of Brech, in Morbihan. Built in 1464, it features a rectangular plan and a sober decor, typical of the Renaissance, with a south door decorated with a triangular pediment, diamond and pilasters. Its traditional architecture includes fine mouldings, pinnacle pilasters, and a geometric frieze on the west facade, as well as a carved tympanum. Originally dedicated to Marian worship, she was associated with a local tradition: sweeping the chapel before asking for a pardon, especially to help children walk.

The chapel is built of cut stone, with a gable facade to the south and a small, up-to-date bell tower. Its ogival door, framed with pilasters and surmounted by a cornice, presents seven stones decorated with various motifs (geometrics, crescents enlaced). The side door is surmounted by a hooked pediment and a carved tympanum. The bedside is square, and the north gate has an unidentified family coat of arms in the sources. This monument, owned by the municipality of Brech, was listed as historical monuments by order of 8 May 1933.

The site is mentioned in the Mérimée bases under the code Insee 56023, attached to the department of Morbihan and the Brittany region. Its approximate address, 5023 Treavrec Braz, reflects its local anchor. The chapel illustrates the Breton Christian architecture of the 16th century, mixing sobriety and Renaissance decorative elements, while at the same time testifying to the popular religious practices of the period, centered on Marian intercessions. No information is available on any sponsors or artisans involved in its construction.

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