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Origin and history

Notre-Dame de Plouaret Church, also known as Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle or Notre-Dame-de-Consolation, is a religious building located in the commune of Plouaret in the Côtes-d'Armor department in Brittany. Its construction mainly dates back to the second half of the 16th century, although elements such as the homonymous chapel of the Hospitallers of Saint John suggest an older origin, around 1470-1480. The church adopts a three-vessel plan under a single roof, with a flat bedside illuminated by a large three-leash window topped by a polylobed rose. The bell tower, which began work on 28 February 1554, was partially rebuilt after a fire caused by lightning.

The nave was restored in 1829-1830 by the architect Pierre-Marie-Ange Le Bricquir-Kerstivien and the entrepreneur Guillaume Péron. This restoration allowed the building to be enlarged, initially considered too small in 1812. The works were financed mainly by voluntary subscriptions, with the help of the bishop and the prefect. The bell tower, with four bells restored after the Revolution, dominates the whole, while the interior houses a altarpiece, stalls and a 17th century pulpit, as well as baptismal fonts of the same period. The Keranrais chapel presents sandstones carved by the Keranré family.

Between 1903 and 1905, a new restoration campaign was carried out by architect Jules Morvan, including the re-use of stones from the Saint Maudez chapel and the modification of certain openings. The church was classified as a historic monument by order of October 18, 1907, recognizing its heritage value. The adjacent cemetery, moved around 1860-1861, gave way to an expansion of the public square in 1872. The building also preserves a fountain of devotion linked to its hospital origin, demonstrating its central role in the religious and community life of Plouaret.

The interior of the church is marked by a chevron-firm panelled structure and a continuous vessel whose broken arches fall on octagonal piles. Among the remarkable elements are a series of ten paintings depicting the prophets of Israel, adorning the staircase of the pulpit, and a high altar restored in 1872 by John Omnes. The lateral chapels, including Keranrais, and the sacristy, enlarged in 1865-1866 by Yves Hernot, complete this architectural ensemble rich in history.

Founded by the Order of Hospitallers of Saint John, the parish church of Plouaret played a major spiritual and social role in the region. Its name, Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle or de-Consolation, reflects its importance as a place of devotion and assembly. The successive changes, from 19th century expansions to 20th century restorations, illustrate its adaptation to the changing needs of the community, while preserving its medieval and Renaissance heritage.

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