La Vraie-Croix
a village of legendLet yourself be amazed by its
architectural heritage
Admire an atypical monument
The Chapel of La Vraie-Croix
All the history and the name of the commune are linked to this building built high above a public road. Legend has it that a knight, returning from the Crusades, carried with him a fragment of the True Cross of Christ.
After a rest stop, he fell asleep at the foot of a hawthorn tree. When he awoke, the piece of the cross had been stolen from him by a magpie. It was decided to build a chapel whose choir would be located where the fragment of the cross was found and wished to remain… The upper chapel is served on each side by a staircase that allowed a continuous flow of pilgrims who came to venerate the relic.
Of the chapel built in the thirteenth century, only an original portal remains. The rest of the chapel dates from the 16th century. The granite building was restored between 1974 and 1986 and classified as a historical monument since 1926. The chapel is open to the public every day, from Easter to All Saints’ Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Other remarkable places
The church, the ruins of the Tostal, the fountain…
On the same square, don’t miss the parish church dedicated to Saint-Isidore, patron saint of ploughmen, whose interior woodwork is remarkable.
From the pond, you can see the oldest house in the village, with a round turret, “la Maison Louis”. This building of the 12th and 13th centuries housed a hospital held by the Templar monks of St. John of Jerusalem, whose mission was to welcome and treat pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela or Jerusalem.
The climb to the Lande du Temple offers a panorama of the village. At the place called Le Tostal, ruined houses let you imagine the time at the end of the 19th century when workers came to build the railway line.
Don’t miss also the Saint’s fountain which is protected as a Historic Monument. The fountain is surrounded by a paved area, in front of a basin that served as a washhouse.
Heritage Tour of La Vraie-Croix
La Vraie-Croix
Village Fleuri – 4 fleurs
La Vraie-Croix is famous for its exceptional floral displays. Awarded the “4 Flowers” label, the village received the prestigious “Fleur d’Or” (Golden Flower) award in 2018 and again in 2025. In 2025, it was one of only nine towns in France to earn this exceptional distinction. This recognition is a true reward for the village and the many volunteers involved.
This trophy honors not only the beauty of the floral arrangements but also the quality and environmentally responsible management of green spaces. The village of La Vraie-Croix is committed to an ambitious sustainable development policy.
Visitors can admire themed gardens (fuchsias, dahlias, salvias) showcasing rare and unusual varieties. Keen to share its passion for plants, the village has also created several special gardens : a pedagogical garden with a pond, a natural garden (Fontaine Garden), and a medieval garden inspired by traditional “curé” gardens.
On the Lande du Temple, the municipality is developing a natural area to preserve biodiversity, raise children’s awareness of the environment, and maintain educational beehives.
OUR HOLIDAYS
- Walking through an extraordinary garden amidst giant insects
- Family picnics by the pond
- His amazing hanging chapel with its starry ceiling
- Go on a treasure hunt with the “Les Trésors du Morbihan” app !
Les Tresors Du Morbihan La Vraie Croix WebDiscover La Vraie-Croix in a different way !
Treasure Hunt
Trail : From the Cross to the Heart of the BourboutesTrail is called : From the Cross to the Heart of the Bourboutes.
This digital, family-friendly scavenger hunt takes you on a journey through the history of the relic that gave the village its name — and introduces you to its Bourboutes (dedicated volunteers).
Available for free on the “Les Trésors du Morbihan” app, this trail invites you to explore the village’s heritage treasures and uncover its hidden secrets…
