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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Méen Chapel, located at the so-called "Saint-Méen" on the commune of Ploemel (Morbihan), is a religious building built in the 16th century. It is distinguished by its stone-sized architecture, composed of two adjacent vessels: a main vessel and a shorter seigneurial chapel to the south. These two parts communicate by two arches in the middle, typical of the early Renaissance. The bedside features two discovered gables, connected by a knot, while the doors in basket handle remain sober, without decor.

The chapel houses remarkable furniture, including a glass roof dating from 1556, heavily restored, and a second glass roof of 1902. The granite master altar is contemporary of construction, and a second altar is in the southern chapel. Five statues of the 18th and 19th centuries are preserved, among them a homogeneous ensemble representing Saint Fiacre and Saint Hervé. Local tradition evokes a foundation by the Templars, although this hypothesis is not confirmed by historical sources.

Ranked a historic monument since June 30, 1925, the Saint-Méen Chapel underwent modifications in the 19th century, such as the demolition and reconstruction of the bell tower in 1838, probably identical. The wooden jube, considered cumbersome, was also removed at that time. The coats of arms present in the chapel, especially those of the Larlan family, local lords, suggest their role as pre-eminencers and perhaps founders. The fillings of some windows have now disappeared, but the building retains architectural and furniture elements that bear witness to its history.

The chapel is owned by the municipality of Ploemel and remains a characteristic example of the 16th century Breton religious heritage, mixing late Gothic and Renaissance influences. Its rectangular plan, decorated drawers and stained glass windows make it an emblematic monument of the Morbihan.

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