The Pays des Rohan was awarded the Pays d'art et d'Histoire label in 2019 after several years' work. The Rohan family left a strong mark on the architectural landscape of our region.
The Pays d'art et d'Histoire label
Label awarded in 2019
Pontivy Communauté, along with the neighbouring communes of Bon Repos sur Blavet, Gouarec, Langoëlan, Ploërdut, Lignol, Kernascléden, Guémené-sur-Scorff, Locmalo, Melrand, Pluméliau-Bieuzy and the Forges de Lanouée, have been awarded the prestigious Pays d'Art et d'Histoire label by the French Ministry of Culture.
The label is national recognition of our heritage.
Commitment to the region
The label also rewards the commitment of local residents, elected representatives and all those involved in the area to learning about, preserving and promoting the landscapes, monuments, works of art and traditions of the Pays des Rohan. Obtaining the label also means a 10-year commitment to developing an ambitious, high-quality heritage project, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. So keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for our programme: there's plenty to discover, read about and play with all year round. Young and old, residents and visitors, there's something for everyone.
The Rohan family
History
Parmi les grandes familles seigneuriales qui ont fait l’histoire de la Bretagne, l’une des plus puissantes des siècles derniers trouve son berceau au cœur notre région. Il s’agit de la famille de Rohan. Son histoire commence il y a un millénaire, dans les années 1120 lorsqu’Alain de Porhoët, décide de fonder une forteresse sur un promontoire rocheux, au lieu-dit Roch’an, « petit rocher » en breton. C’est ainsi qu’il devient le vicomte Alain Ier de Rohan, a name he later passed on to his descendants.
Pontivy, capital of the viscounty
Over the centuries, the Rohan family extended its territory through alliances, acquisitions and inheritance. The town of Pontivy was to become increasingly important at the centre of the Rohan viscounty, as much for its strategic location as for the natural resources at its disposal. The town became the capital of the viscounty in 1396. Viscount Henry II de Rohan was elevated to the rank of Duke and Peer of France, a high distinction bestowed on him by his cousin King Henry IV in 1603 as a reward for his commitment to the king.
Land of Rohan
Today, the history of the heritage and economy of the area, known as the Pays des Rohan, is still marked by the influence of these great lords over the centuries.
For further information: Pays d'art et d'Histoire in Pontivy Communauté
Contact: Claire TARTAMELLA
