CatherineReichardt Says: (work in progress)By comparison with Saint-Thégonnec's flamboyant ossuary - complete with technicolou tableau of Jesus being laid out for burial - the ossuary at Guimiliau is a smaller and much more restrained structure.It was locked when we visited and I'm not sure whether...
The curious architecture of Guimiliau's church
CatherineReichardt Says: (work in progress)Guimiliau's parish church is an odd architectural hybrid, which seems one part European and one part Hobbit.The church was built in the 16th century and has a solid granite block construction, topped by an eclectic collection of slate roofs. It is further...
An unusual vaulted wooden ceiling
CatherineReichardt Says: (work in progress)A notable characteristic of the interior of many Breton churches is that they have vaulted wooden ceilings which are often painted.The ceiling of the parish church at St Guimiliau is a particularly striking example, and its attractiveness is enhanced by the...
A town with more to offer than just a parish close
CatherineReichardt Says: (work in progress)There are several wonderful parish closes in the eastern portion of Bretagne's Finistére region, but many visitors may only have the time - or interest - in visiting one.For what it's worth, my vote goes to Guimiliau, which - in addition to its stupendous...
CatherineReichardt Says: (work in progress)The church at Guimiliau may only be 16th century, but one of the reasons why it feels older is that there are signs of structural failure.If you look closely at this line of columns - which should be vertical and parallel to one another - you will see that...
Baroque baptistry that's too big for the building
CatherineReichardt Says: (work in progress)My intense dislike of Baroque architecture is well documented in my pages, so it's safe to say that this exceedingly ornate wooden baptistry which stands over the baptismal font at Guimiliau was never going to excite me - the best that I can say for it is...
As far as the Breton custom of kissing each other on the cheeks upon meeting (se faire la bise) is concerned, I realized that Guimiliau is the place where the numbers of kisses to exchange varies the most and the most often. It may share this "record" only with Plestin-les-Grèves. From what I observed, I drew the conclusion that one kiss is the most common option, but three or four kisses are not rare, either; instead, two kisses seem to be the most unusual choice.
Updated Oct 29, 2007
Website: http://combiendebises.free.fr
En route on the road from Lampaul-Guimiliau to Guimiliau,with vittles in the car and rain coming down, we passed this roadside cross with a picnic table in front of it. We stopped and the rain stopped too. We do not think St. Miliau is the patron saint of travellers, but he was this time! We recommend local cherries and a brie-like cheese with Orangina.(The Cross is the second picture).
Updated Sep 23, 2007
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