Haute-Bretagne 8 d i s c o v e r y t o u r s

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    S E T O F F A N D E N J O Y

    8 d i s c o v e r y t o u r s

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    These eight discovery tours are an invitation to adventure as they take

    you through contrasting countryside and stop off in the centres of our

    towns and villages. Covering between 60 and 80 km, they will take

    you along often quiet roads, past natural and architectural heritage si tes.

    Follow the signposts and then marvel at the delightful and memorable

    landscapes as you turn a corner or reach a breathtaking vantage point.

    Enchanting forests, sunken lanes, rivers and great expanses of water

    with lush green banks await you! Or perhaps you are more interested

    in architecture? In any case, be sure to get out of the car every now

    and again as there are many charming things to do en route. Take your

    pick from visiting churches, strolling down mediaeval alleyways,

    kayaking or canoeing down rivers, or watching migratory birds.

    E d i t o r i a l

    DOL AREA DISCOVERY TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

    TINTNIAC-MONTMURAN DISCOVERY TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

    IN MARQUISE DE SVIGN COUNTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

    RANCEVALLEY DISCOVERY TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

    COUESNONVALLEY DISCOVERY TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

    VILAINEVALLEY DISCOVERY TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 TO 16

    BROCELIANDE DISCOVERY TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 TO 19

    GATES TO BRITTANY DISCOVERY TOUR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20TO 22

    C o n t e n t s

    K e yD Starting point

    TouristInformationCenter

    Town of Artand History

    Small Townof Character

    France's mostbeautiful villages

    Stop-over village

    Brittany's RuralHeritage Villages

    Castle,manor house

    Religiousheritage

    Museum orplace of interest

    Megalithicsite

    Vantage point

    Departmentalwilderness area

    Park or gardens

    Activity centre

    Water sportactivities

    TouristInformationPointGolf course

    Hiking trail

    Mill

    Picnic area

    Leisure park

    Children's playarea

    Land yachting

    Boat hire

    Wildlife park

    Harbour

    Riverside stop

    Bike hire

    Outdooractivity circuit

    Discovery trail

    Canoe hire

    Boat trips

    Water mill

    Horse riding

    Airport

    SAINT-MALO

    RENNES

    MONTSAINT-MICHEL

    REDON

    ANTRAIN

    DOL-DE-BRETAGNE

    PLLAN-LE-GRAND

    TINTNIACFOUGRES

    VITR

    RanceValley Dol area

    CouesnonValley

    In Marquisede Svign

    country

    Gatesto Brittany

    VilaineValley

    Broceliande

    TintniacMontmuran

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    N

    5

    Whether crossing woods and marshland

    or leisurely following the coast, this tour leads to a land

    of legends where the landscapes are both wild

    and sculpted by human hand.

    DOL AREAiscovery tour

    Between sea and forests

    In Le Vivier-sur-Mer, the rows of stakes, used

    to grow tasty saffron-coloured mussels, form

    a surprising scene while in the background,

    there is a patchwork of polders and marshland.

    This area, won over from the sea, is today

    home to an abundance of wildlife and great

    views can be had from Roz-sur-Couesnon

    panoramic gardens. If you want to get even

    higher, head for Mont-Dol. This 64-metre-highrounded granite hillock is dotted with trees

    and bushes and is set in the midst of marshland.

    It is an unusual site where enthusiasts can

    enjoy specially designed climbing routes.

    These vast expanses of marshland make way

    for the emerald-green forests of Villecartier,

    a starting point for delightful hikes.

    Surprising architectural remains

    In Dol-de-Bretagne, the half-timbered houses

    in Grande Rue and Rue Ceinte provide a won-

    derful glimpse of the Middle Ages. To find out

    about the history of the cathedral's Gothic

    nave (12th, 13 th and 15th centuries) visit the

    Medievalys Middle Agescathedral discovery centr e.

    The surrounding countryside is home to

    the Champ Dolent menhir, one of the tallest

    in Brittany. And the equally unusual Chappe

    telegraph tower, located in Saint-Marcan, isthe only one of its kind to have been restored

    in the whole dpartement. It was part of a system

    linking Brest to Paris. As for the Cherrueix and

    Mont-Dol mills, they serve as reminders of local

    people's desire to make the most of their

    surroundings. Today, the wind and vast shoreline

    here delight land yachting enthusiasts.

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    This road tour takes you through an area which has been

    marked by history and reveals traces

    of its past in the open countryside.TINTNIAC-MONTMURAN

    iscovery tour

    From high ridges to green banks

    This 70 km tour will take you past landscapes

    that have mainly been sculpted by human hand

    - small wooded plots of land and vast green

    expanses beneath two high ridges. Far from

    being dull, the windy road twists and turns its

    way through Saint-Brieuc-des-Iffs. Water features

    in the most beautiful stops of the tour along

    the Ille-et-Rance canal. In fact, in Bazouges

    -sous-Hd, no fewer than 11 locks can be madeout along the green banks!

    Architectural heritage

    A tour with an historical feel

    The Chteau de Montmuran, in Les Iffs, has

    retained its former charm with its towers and

    drawbridge. Bcherel's town walls bear witness

    to military activity in the area and the old

    workshops of this Small Town of Character

    are today home to bookshops and craftspeople.

    The Chteau de La Bourbansais, in Pleugueneuc,

    boasts a beautifully decorated interior and

    children will enjoy the zoo in its grounds.

    TheMuse de loutil tool museum ends this

    tour of Tintniac and is perfect for learning about

    techniques in days gone by. The countryside

    is also dotted with many churches and chapels

    with various different bell towers and spires.

    Take Les Iffs, for example, which boasts a mag-nificent Flamboyant Gothic style church.

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    NNNNN

    Aire dErbre

    Les Rochers-Svign

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    n MARQUISE DE SVIGN countryxploring Vi trs countryside

    Follow the Marquise de Svign tour and discover

    the countryside around Vitr, where this French

    writer once stayed. Enjoy the wealth of cultural and natural

    heritage and the wide range of leisure activities on offer.

    A mediaeval centre

    You'd think it had come straight out of a fairy

    tale but the Chteau de Vitr is far from a dream.

    It is in fact one of the most beautiful citadels

    in France and has been overlooking the River

    Vilaine since the late 11th century. Visit the

    museum to find out more! The mediaeval town

    is also worth exploring as it boasts colourful

    half-timbered and slate faades reminders of

    the wealth of overseas merchants. A mysteriousatmosphere lingers in the steep alleyways and

    shady squares to Notre-Dame Church, a jewel

    of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Not far

    from Vitr, you'll come across the former resi-

    dence of the Marquise de Svign, the Chteau

    des Rochers-Svign. The tour is of course

    dotted with many other architectural treasures,

    such as Montautour, the surprising neo-Gothic

    Chteau du Bois Cornill in Val-dIz or

    Champeaux Church and its close!

    Reflected in the water

    Although history is very much present along

    the tour, the countryside also reveals its gems.

    Varying in size, the many lakes reflect their

    banks and the beautiful colours of the sky.

    Choose an original stop-off from the Base

    Nautique de Haute Vilaine water sports centre, La

    Valire dam (Vitr), Chtillon-en-Vendelaislake, La Cantache dam and Le Pertre lake.

    They offer walks along specially designed

    paths, fishing, bird watching and even sailing!

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    RANCE VALLEYdiscovery tour

    Nature at the water's edge

    The River Rance ends its journey in a magnifi-

    cent ria, where fresh and salt water combineto

    form a world of wooded coves and wide bays.

    The estuary is awash with emerald greens and

    deep blues. Take Minihic-sur-Rance for example,

    where La Landriais dry dock bears witness to

    the area's former maritime trade. (Newfoundland

    dory boats used to be built here). In season,

    the crowds are far from these tiny havens that

    are proudly overlooked by maritime pine trees.

    From typical St. Malo residences to forts...

    The architectural heritage on either side of the

    river makes for interesting visits. You can choose

    from Saint-Suliac, one of France's most beautiful

    villages, Montmarin mansion in Pleurtuit or

    tidal mills. There are also various traces of

    military architecture, such as the Fort in

    Saint-Pre-Marc-en-Poulet or the surprising

    Tour Solidor, a tower that stands watch at the

    mouth of the river; it is home to the Muse

    international des Cap-Horniers Cape Hornersmuseum. The famous privateer town of St.

    Malo, with its magnificent ship owners' resi-

    dences and parapet walks, was once a major

    free port and is not to be missed!

    Making its way along the water, the Rance Valley tour

    goes in search of magnificent landscapes and charming views.

    Make the most of the 50 km to explore this area,

    characterised by the nearby sea.

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    COUESNON VALLEYdiscovery tour

    Charming countryside

    In some places, this tour follows country

    lanes that wind their way through the ferns,

    like in Saint-Jean-sur-Couesnon, or under arch-waysof trees, as in Saint-Marc-sur-Couesnon.

    It crosses a patchwork of tree-lined meadows

    set on hillsides and travels past more orderly

    landscapes of cultivated fields towards the north.

    In Vieux-Vy-sur-Couesnon, the road climbs

    to take in an impressive view with the river

    running far below. The Couesnon, the star of

    this tour, flows swiftly in some places and gently

    in others. From the Mzires-sur-Couesnon

    activity centre, you can hire a canoe and paddle

    down stream to Mont-Saint-Michel! For those

    of you with a bit more nerve, the site is also ideal

    for climbing!

    Stone treasures

    Set in granite country, the valley boasts many

    architectural jewels, such as Saint-Martin

    Church in Le Tiercent, Saint-Andr Church in

    Antrain and Notre-Dame Church in Chauvign.Quincampoix mill in Rimou and Gumain

    mill in Vieux-Vy-sur-Couesnon once used the

    power of the river for paper making or milling.

    The wide bridge in Antrain, with its three dif-

    ferent arches, makes for a pleasant stop on the

    banks of the river. Granite can also be seen in

    the pretty houses dotted along the route, such

    as in the hamlets of Montchard and Brimenel,

    and the village of Saint-Christophe-de-Valains.

    Set off in search of enchanting landscapes

    and traditional architecture.

    The ever-present River Couesnon is the main theme

    on this 80 km tour.

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    BROCELIANDEdiscovery tour

    A forest of legends

    The greenery of Paimpont forest dominates

    throughout the tour. This mainly private

    estate recalls the ancient forest that covered

    the entire Armorican peninsula in 5000 BC.(Hiking is authorised in the private forest

    along the G.R. hiking trail from April to Octo-

    ber). Departmental Wilderness Areas feature

    some of the most beautiful landscapes along

    the tour. Migratory birds find refuge on the

    banks of the 50-hectare Paimpont lake and

    also spend the winter on the Careil estate in

    Iffendic. The stone in Broceliande has sculpted

    the landscape, for example the Chambre aux

    Loups valley in Iffendic has carved out its path

    through red schist cliffs, and there are breath-

    taking views along the GR 37 hiking trail

    The stones have a story to tell

    The Broceliande tour features many examples

    of architectural heritage, such as the Roman

    Byzantine Saint-Maxent Church. Trhorenteuc's

    Sainte-Onenne Church will delight those seeking

    the Holy Grail as it conceals richly decorated

    stained glass and mosaics. Imposing Paim-

    pont abbey church is reflected in the waters of

    its lake and is not to be missed! Stroll around

    the Chteau de Comper in Concoret. The red

    schist walls now house the Centre de lImagi-

    naire Arthurien which is open for exhibitions,

    guided tours of the forest and workshops for

    children. Broceliande is undoubtedly a land of

    legends. Perhaps one of its most magical sites

    is the Val sans Retouror Valley of No Return.

    Fairy Morgan La Fay is said to have imprisoned

    unfaithful lovers here. Don't miss Merlin's

    tomb, the remains of a passage grave, and

    Viviane's House, a 4,500-year-old burial place.

    Broceliande forest invites visitors on a journey to the land of legends.

    This 90 km tour takes on the magical feel of the site

    Open countryside

    The Vilaine has sculpted beautiful scenes,

    ranging from breathtaking landscapes to pretty

    views. This tour, tinged with blues andgreens, also has a hint of wilderness. Take for

    example Les Corbinires site with its 70-

    metre-high slopes carpeted with pine forests.

    Every now and again the road climbs and,

    through the trees, you'll catch a glimpse of the

    wooded horizon. In Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande,

    the river seems to disappear into numerous

    lakes alongside its banks whereas in La Courbe,

    part of Bourg-des-Comptes, it traces a wide

    loop lined with steep hillsides and gravel pits.

    There is a wealth of nature in the Vilaine Valley

    and the plant- and wildlife will delight

    enthusiasts.

    Where water meets stone

    The GrandRue of Redon and its half-timbered

    houses, the ship owners' residences with

    beautiful wrought iron balconies along Quai

    Duguay-Trouin, and the Tour Richelieu andHtel de Carmoy residences all bear witness

    to Redon's prestigious past. Very early on, the

    town featured religious architecture that

    reflected its strategic importance. Langon has

    a more modest religious heritage but is just as

    charming with Saint-Pierre Church and

    Sainte-Agathe Chapel. Close by, the metal

    coated Port-de-Roche bridge crosses the river

    with style. Finally, Le Bol lock, in Pont-Ran,

    is one of the most picturesque sights in the

    valley and the starting point for many hikes.

    The River Vilaine, known for its capricious nature,

    is also the link between impressive landscapes,

    charming villages and towns steeped in history.

    Its valley is a starting point for numerous walks.

    VILAINE VALLEYiscovery tour

    1716

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    NNNNNBROCELIANDEiscovery tour

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    21

    GATES

    TO

    BRITTANY

    discovery

    tour

  • 8/9/2019 Haute-Bretagne 8 d i s c o v e r y t o u r s

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    23

    Follow this long winding road tour and enter into a world

    where stone, water and plants combine to create the perfect setting.

    GATES TO BR ITTANYiscovery tour

    22

    From wartime to peacetime,

    the stones tell a story

    Having survived the past intact, the castles of

    Fougres and Vitr bear witness to the defensive

    role once played by the area. The immense

    Fougres fortress is open to the public andreveals its treasures like a genuine book about

    military architecture. Be sure to stroll in the

    streets lined with colourful half-timbered

    faades to really get a feel for this town, steeped

    in history. In Chteaugiron, admire the castle's

    imposing mediaeval towers and the softer

    lines of its more welcoming residence.

    Colourful half-timbered faades can also be seen

    here in Rue Madeleine. The tour also features

    examples of religious heritage and from the

    194-metre-high Montautour hillock you can

    enjoy a panoramic view punctuated by no

    fewer than 32 bell towers and spires!

    Linking legends and nature

    Ever present and perfect for relaxation, water

    provides the opportunity for delightful stops

    along the tour, such as Chevr lake, crossed

    by a 13th-century Romanesque bridge or Car-craon lake in Domalain. Marcill-Robert and

    Chtillon-en-Vendelais lakes are home to

    various migratory birds that you can watch

    from huts set up within their protected envi-

    ronment.

    There is definitely something magical about

    La Roche-aux-Fes in the Ess hills. This purple

    schist megalith in the form of a passage grave

    is the source of many a tale. The road will take

    you into the heart of beech and oak forests,

    like Villecartier, or will lead you to the grounds

    of the Chteau de La Ballue (Bazouges-la-

    Prouze) with its surprising Baroque and

    mannerist gardens.

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    13/13

    The Conseil gnraldepartmental council has fully funded

    the signposts for these departmental tours,

    approved by the Comit du Tourisme Tourist Board, and hopes you enjoy your visit.

    Photos: C. Boisvieux, D. Bonnefoy, B. Bouflet, P. Choleau, B. Deme, A. Dugas, P. Glais, J.P. Gratien,Hokus Pokus, J.M. Lair, M.T. Le Duff, V. Legendre, A. Mauxion, Muses de Vitr, Pays de Fougres,Pays de Redon, J.C. Pinheira, D. Provost,T E ik Wi l M ill i Ch i h E l 2009 Edi i

    ASK FOR THE DETAILED BROCHUREIN ONE OF THE PAYS TOURISTIQUES

    OR IN LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES.

    Pays Touristiquede Brocliande

    Tel. +33 (0)2.99.06.86.07www.broceliande-tourisme.com

    G.I.T Pays Touristique dela Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel

    Bretagne RomantiqueTel. +33 (0)2.99.48.34.53

    www.paysdelabaie-mtstmichel.com

    Maison du tourisme

    du Pays de RedonTel. +33 (0)2.99.71.06.04

    www.tourisme-pays-redon.com

    Pays Touristiquedes Portes de Bretagne

    Tel. +33 (0)2.99.44.58.44www.portes-de-bretagne.com

    Pays Touristique

    des Portes de BretagneTel. +33 (0)2.99.44.58.44

    www.portes-de-bretagne.com

    Pays Touristique de FougresTel. +33 (0)2.99.94.60.30www.bretagne-fougeres.com

    G.I.T Pays Touristique dela Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel

    Bretagne RomantiqueTel. +33 (0)2.99.48.34.53

    www.paysdelabaie-mtstmichel.com

    Comit Dpartementaldu Tourisme Haute-BretagneIlle-et-Vilaine5, rue du Pr Bott - BP 6014935101 Rennes cedex 3

    Tel. +33 (0)2.99.78.47.40www.bretagne35.com

    Pays Touristique

    de FougresTel. +33 (0)2.99.94.60.30www.bretagne-fougeres.com

    Pays Touristique

    des Portes de BretagneTel. +33 (0)2.99.44.58.44

    www.portes-de-bretagne.com

    G.I.T Pays Touristique dela Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel

    Bretagne RomantiqueTel. +33 (0)2.99.48.34.53

    www.paysdelabaie-mtstmichel.com