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Origin and history

The Saint-Nicodème Chapel, located in Lannion in the Côtes-d'Armor, is a religious building built in the 15th century. From a rectangular to a single vessel, it is built in local ochre shale and granite, with a roof covered with thick slate. Several architectural elements, such as the gothic reamped bay or the door with a braid, are re-uses. The bell tower, added during the modern restoration, was not originally present.

The chapel is historically linked to the mansion of Kervégan, whose lords (family of Tertre, then of Boisgelin) placed their coats of arms on it. In 1756 it belonged to the Count of Kergariou, but by 1826 it lost its religious function and became a rural building. Degraded in the 20th century, it was partially classified as a Historic Monument in 1964 for its facades and roofs. Threatened by destruction in 1977, it was saved and restored by the Roquefeuil family between 1980 and 1990.

Built on a terrace overlooking the Léguer valley, the chapel is associated with a nearby fountain, Saint-Nicodème, 300 metres away. Its strategic location once allowed to see the town of Loguivy-lès-Lannion. Armored shields, now illegible, testify to alliances between local noble families, such as the Tertre, Boisgelin and Kergariou. The Gothic Bay of the Bedside and the re-used elements date back to its 15th century construction, while its partial reconstruction in the 18th century incorporated these remains.

In 1964, the inscription to the Historical Monuments underlined its worrying state, with a roof threatening ruin. Despite a request for destruction in 1977, refused by the State, the chapel was redeemed in 1982 and restored. The works kept its original character, while adding a modern bell tower. Today, it remains a testimony of Breton religious architecture and the links between local nobility and heritage.

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