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BAUD. (56) The countryside around Baud (le pays de Baud) is dominated by forests and cris- crossed with rivers making it an ideal place for walkers, riding and boat trips. The numerous chapels and churches in the area around Baud which date from many different periods give a very good idea of the evolution of Breton art in central Morbihan. Although Baud has lost a number of its traditional craftsmen it still retains two important crafts which flourish in the region. These are clog making and furniture making. The visitor can buy traditionally made clogs and handmade furniture from the numerous enterprises in the area. A number of societies in Baud ensure a rich variety of cultural activities in the town. Among the multitude of sites to visit in and around Baud one of the most enigmatic is "La Venus de Quinipily". This immense statue which stands some 2.15m high is of uncertain origin and has been taken for a Roman or Egyptian Idol. Over the centuries this strange figure has been the object of many almost pagan cults and to prevent such profane worship has been thrown into the River Blavet several times by order of the church authorities. The Venus now resides in the grounds of the Château of Quinipily about 2km from Baud presiding over a monolithic granite basin which is filled by water coming from a nearby lake.
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