Aire de Plouay

Plouay (Morbihan, France)

Plouay is a rural commune in the south of Brittany, located about twenty kilometres from Lorient. A human-scale town, it is primarily known for its ties to professional cycling and its bocage landscape. The local fabric mixes neighbourhood shops, sports associations and seasonal events. The commune also serves as a base for exploring the Morbihan countryside.

Heritage and history

The centre of Plouay preserves traditional rural buildings, with stone houses and farms scattered in the bocage. Local history is linked to agriculture and craftsmanship; there are traces of Breton rural development from the 19th and 20th centuries. The small chapels and calvaries in the surroundings recall the region's popular piety.

Outdoor activities and cycling

Plouay is a reference point in cycling: it regularly hosts national and international events, including the Bretagne Classic Ouest–France. The rolling roads around the commune are popular with cycle tourists. Hiking and horseback riding are also practised on bocage tracks.

Nature and landscapes

The landscape consists of bocage plots, small valleys and woods that offer quiet walks and sites suitable for observing local wildlife. Trails set out from the village towards neighbouring hamlets, offering changing views according to the seasons.

Gastronomy

Local cuisine highlights Breton terroir products: creperies, farmhouse cheeses and nearby seafood. Markets and small grocers often offer local and seasonal products.

Not to be missed

• Bretagne Classic Ouest–France — iconic cycling race held each year.
• Cycling loops — waymarked routes around the village for all levels.
• The town centre — shops and cafés that enliven daily life.
• Bocage trails — rural walks and typical landscapes.
• Local markets — local produce and encounters with producers.