Want to follow in the footsteps of the Gallo-Romans on your next vacation in South Finistère? If so, don’t miss this walk to discover the ancient thermal baths of Pérennou in Plomelin. This escapade will plunge you into the heart of an exceptional site located in a natural setting, south of Quimper.
An ancient heritage
Built at the end of the 1st century AD, these private thermal baths were a place of relaxation and hygiene for the wealthy owners of the Gallo-Roman villa 450m above. Imagine the Romans of the time enjoying this haven of peace, with a breathtaking view over the river!
Discovered in 1862, the Perrenou thermal baths have undergone extensive archaeological excavation, uncovering some astonishing remains. You can admire the remains of six rooms in the building, including the vestibule, boiler room, caldarium, tepidarium, frigidarium and an unidentified room.
Relics that tell stories
The floors were covered in shimmering marble from 15 different quarries! The walls were not to be outdone, with their sumptuous mural frescoes and white marble cladding.
The Perrenou thermal baths are an ideal place for a family outing. Explanatory panels enable young and old alike to discover the history and workings of the Gallo-Roman baths. Educational activities and workshops are also organized from time to time.
In situ, you can admire the remains of the ingenious hypocaust heating system used by the Romans. And thanks to the didactic nature of the restoration work carried out between 2010 and 2012, part of the oven and ventilation system has been reconstructed.
An enchanting natural site
In addition to its rich historical past, the Perrenou thermal baths offer an exceptional natural setting. Nestled in the heart of a verdant setting, it invites you to take a relaxing stroll along the Odet River.
450m upstream, the Gallo-Roman villa, built at the end of the 1st century, consisted of a vast gallery building measuring 41m by 18m, arranged around a central courtyard opening onto the bucolic landscape.
Also nearby are the remains of a fanum, a small private temple typical of wealthy Gallo-Roman villas. The villa and fanum are still being excavated and are not yet open to the public. The site is sometimes open in June, during the European Archaeology Days.
Practical information
Location : Kerustans, 29700 Plomelin – 30 min from campsite Les Saules
Access: free of charge
Opening hours: open all year round
What can I do near the Perennou thermal baths?
Visit Château de Perennou, located right next to the spa. Built between 1895 and 1899 by the de Broc family on the ruins of a 15th-century manor house, the château is in the English neo-Gothic style. It is surrounded by a vast 30-hectare landscaped park. (Visits every day at 5 p.m. except Saturday, from April to September, price: 7 euros per person).
Hike to Saut de la Pucelle, a rocky outcrop overlooking the Odet, offering a breathtaking view of the vire-courts (follow the hiking trail north). This white-marked spot is famous for the legend associated with it. The story goes that a young girl, pursued by an over-enterprising gallant, preferred to throw herself off the rock rather than lose her honor. Miraculously, she was saved by an invisible hand and landed unharmed on the other side. The gallant, who tried to follow in her footsteps, drowned in the Odet.
Discover the Rossulien mill (near the rock): This mill was restored between 2018 and 2020 by the association “Les Meuniers de Rossulien” and is now in working order. It’s possible to visit the mill and watch the production of wheat, wholemeal and buckwheat flour. The visit is free, and you can buy the flour produced on site.
Taste Breton whisky at the Distillerie des Menhirs. Distillerie des Menhirs is a family-run business committed to product quality and respect for tradition. It produces whisky, including the famous Eddu, France’s first buckwheat whisky. The distillery is open to the public for guided tours and tastings.
Book your holidays in southern Finistère!
4* campsite with direct access to the beach between Fouesnant and Concarneau.
