The Rotheneuf Statues, Carved Rocks (les Rochers Sculptés) of St Malo France
There are many wonderful things to do in St Malo, France. San Malo is famous because it is the Birthplace of legendary sailors and privateers from the middle ages such as Jacques Cartier, the man who discovered Canada ,it boasts Beautiful beaches , rich history and rocky coastline, dotted with sailing and fishing boats but nothing as unique and amazing as what one can find in the village of Rotheneuf. The village of Rotheneuf is located just 5 km on the outskirts of Saint Malo in Brittany France not far from village of Concale also just north west from well known Le Mont St Michel. This former fishing village gets its name from a family of privateers, smugglers and nobles , the Rotheneufs, who used this natural port as a dock for their nefarious activities.
Why is this village so famous ?
The Pointe du Christ just a short walk from the center or the village on the la Littoral coastline is like discovering a treasure in a secret cove. It is located on the path to the left of the Le Benetin restaurant leading down to the sea. the top of the path may be somewhat accessible and to those like me who may have various mobility problems you may continue down to the point on the rocky path. it is not however, handicap accessible wheelchair or stroller accessible . if you are able., take care, The walking paths along the sea is Indeed spectacular !!! A definite not to miss.
But the main reason Rotheneuf is famous is on the opposite path down thru the restaurant and hotel area sits a jewel. The carved rocks of Rotheneuf attract visitors from all over the world who come not only to meander the amazing walking paths along the cliffs down the sea but to admire the work of art of Adolphe Julien Fouéré born in 1839 in Brittany, Saint-Thual near Saint-Malo. Known as the Carved rocks of Rotheneuf ,(les Rochers Sculptés). There is a guided tour to the seaside sculptures and the only entrance is small with a dedicated member selling souvenirs asking a modest fee to gain entry.. The fee of 2.50 euros assists in maintenance of the site. The entrance is on the same path as the restaurant. I did an unaccompanied walk. Be sure to check entry times as they close for lunch. Entry sits just below the Le Benetin restaurant terrace and Le Maison du Benetin hotel.
After attending seminary in Rennes, he was ordained a priest in 1863 under the name of Abbé Fouere, he exercised his ministry in various municipalities in the region until the end of 1894 after a stroke when he was forced by parishioners to retire due to partial hearing loss . He was then appointed a regular priest of Rothéneuf. In 1896 , Isolated by his disability, Abbe Fouere begins a monumental work:sculpting the rocks which dominate the area of seaside cliff In Rothéneuf, When the weather prevented him sculpting outside he made wood sculptures in his hermitage. Abbie Fouere sculpted up to 1907 but was forced to stop all activity due to stroke paralysis and difficulty in speech he died in 1910 at the age of 70
The carved rocks of Rotheneuf are considered brut art or naive art and he was self taught he had no formal training. Abbé Fouere was said to be inspired by the shape of the rocks. His historical and geography knowledge acquired at the seminary and the local press,.
14 years of work was needed to bring out of the rock in some 300 figures. The sculptures represent historical figures of the late 19th century, members of the Rotheneuf farmily, dragons, sea monsters, pirates, marine creatures. In particular, be carved the President of the South African Republic, Paul Kruger, the French explorer from Saint-Malo, Jacques Cartier and many Breton saints. Many sculptures of the carved rocks of Rothéneuf: have long since crumbled and many of the work in now danger of total annihilation
Today, some sculptures have lost their colors and only 180 of them are still visible. Erosion, salt, wind, spray, mosses and lichens as well as the repeated passage of visitors have gradually destroyed his work. An association was created in 2010 to fight for the preservation of abbe Fouere’s work named : the association Les Amir de Louvre de lAbhé Fouere. .
WARNING: Although the village and the restaurant above the carved rocks are handicapped accessible the coastal walking paths is not however accessible to small children , babies in strollers or wheelchairs. Bring good walking/hiking shoes with some Grip and if you have mobility problems or difficulty with knee pain as I do I suggest walking poles and use the backwards method. The path transitions down hill on a sometimes rocky path with no hand holds and the location of the statues is on rocky cliff face above the sea. There are no shaded area except for at entrance and in the restaurant. Bring plenty of water and sun hat on a hot day if you wish to explore. There are no toilets available except in the restaurants and free parking is located nearby in the village.