In the heart of the Breton countryside, in the Blavet valley, the restored village of Poul-Fetan introduces its visitors to the daily life of 19th century Breton farmers. A true conservatory of rural heritage, this hamlet with its typical architecture is an invitation to discovery and offers many educational activities.
The village of Poul-Fetan, whose name means "wash-house of the fountain" in Breton, is located on the top of a valley overlooking the Blavet. Inhabited since the 16th century, this quiet village lived a prosperous period throughout the next two centuries. Unfortunately, the Industrial Revolution and the rural exodus it provoked led to the death of most of the small isolated hamlets; Poul-Fetan was not spared. In 1850, only 7 families were left to fight and maintain the 39 hectares or so that depended on their dwellings.
Finally, when the entire village was a veritable ruin, the last owner separated from his house in 1976. The commune of Quistinic acquired the hamlet the following year. Under the impulse of the mayor, volunteers and craftsmen are mobilized and decide to restore the buildings to restore life to this territory. The goal? To preserve this heritage and present to visitors the richness and beauty of the Breton terroir.
Open to the public since 1985, the village of Poul-Fétan welcomes each year nearly 50,000 people curious to discover the way rural populations lived in Brittany in the 19th century. During a storytelling visit, actors invite you to follow the adventures of a former resident while discovering the buildings and old trades practiced on the spot: blacksmith, miller, weaver, barrateur (butter maker), washerwoman...
This very immersive thematic tour also allows you to learn many anecdotes, such as the fact that putting a pile of manure in front of your house was at the time an external sign of wealth (because it meant that you owned several cows and that they were well fed) or that butter sellers on the markets were called "pleureuses" (weepers) in reference to the fact that, when salt was added to the butter, it "wept" as it disgorged water.
Inside the buildings, faithfully restored in the style of the 19th century, you can also discover different aspects of Breton culture: its language, the costumes (declined according to the cities and the occasions), the food, the type of furniture used according to the social class... So many exhibition spaces allowing to know everything about the way of life of the Breton peasants nearly 2 centuries ago.
And to conclude this fascinating tour, go to the reconstructed village bakery to buy some Breton specialties: kouign amann, far, a cake made with millet flour or buckwheat flour....
A perfect gourmet break to conclude this beautiful journey through time that appeals to young and old alike, whether they are Breton or not. Plan your visit by visiting the Poul-Fetan website.
Bérengère for Comme des Français
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