FM supporters John & Christine Bouckley encourage you to visit Pontivy
As it stopped raining here in the North of England, the sun made my thoughts wander towards our distant holidays in France... And I remembered: “I’ve not written that piece Paul requested back in December!”
No doubt many people will be thinking about holidays in France now that summer is here. Many will be drawn to Brittany, and that’s understandable because it’s a most excellent place… Many will leave the ship on the north coast and drive, probably missing completely a real jewel. Back in his day, Napoleon was so impressed by this place that he renamed it Napoléonville. In fact, the local launderette still bears this name (though I doubt it’s the one he used!).
Anyway, Pontivy (named after the monk Ivy who built abridge and what not) is a real marvel, conveniently central for all of Brittany, and with its own wonderful character and tourist attractions. There’s a castle, and below it, a canalised river: the Blavet. Between the castle and the river lies a small and very welcoming cafe, Café-Ecoute. This provides a street presence for the Perspectives Church in Pontivy – a real service to the town, a place of befriending and outreach.
The church itself lies further along the Blavet, and as much as I’d recommend visiting Pontivy, I’d recommend more that you visit the church. Not only does this remarkable church serve via Café Ecoute, but also through an activity day it runs in a nearby park each September where the townspeople come to join a great range of activities. Even in rainy 2025 it was well attended and was really good!
Go along to the church, and you’ll be sure of a wonderful welcome. The service is in French, of course, with lively worship, engaging prayer, biblical teaching, and French hospitality as a mini café with coffee and cakes etc. follows the service. Tell them on arrival that John sent you (!) and they’ll find you a translator if you need one. (I could do with one as I’ve sometimes no idea what they’re on about… 😉 But their love is infectious!)
My wife tells me that we’ve been going to this church on our holidays for about 15 years. It’s changed over time but has changed well. They know Jesus and are keen to reflect that and share it in different ways. Maybe you’ve driven past Pontivy en route to the south coast in the past? Next time, why not arrange a stopover there and drop into church… Free parking and a coffee will be the least of your blessings!
