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SET OFF AND ENJOY 8 discovery tours MP-2010-GB-noir 100 14/01/10 13:26 Page 2
Editorial Key
These eight discovery tours are an invitation to adventure as they take Starting point Departmental Boat hire D wilderness area Tourist you through contrasting countryside and stop off in the centres of our Information Park or gardens Wildlife park Center towns and villages. Covering between 60 and 80 km, they will take Town of Art Activity centre Harbour and History you along often quiet roads, past natural and architectural heritage sites. Small Town Water sport Riverside stop of Character activities Follow the signposts and then marvel at the delightful and memorable France's most Tourist Bike hire beautiful villages Information landscapes as you turn a corner or reach a breathtaking vantage point. Point Stop-over village Outdoor Golf course activity circuit Enchanting forests, sunken lanes, rivers and great expanses of water Discovery trail Brittany's Rural Hiking trail with lush green banks await you! Or perhaps you are more interested Heritage Villages Castle, Mill Canoe hire in architecture? In any case, be sure to get out of the car every now manor house Religious Picnic area and again as there are many charming things to do en route. Take your heritage Boat trips Museum or pick from visiting churches, strolling down mediaeval alleyways, place of interest Leisure park Water mill
Megalithic Children's play Horse riding kayaking or canoeing down rivers, or watching migratory birds. site area Vantage point Land yachting Airport
SAINT-MALO MONT SAINT-MICHEL Contents Rance Valley DOL-DE-BRETAGNE Dol area
ANTRAIN Couesnon DOL AREA DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 4-5 Tinténiac Valley TINTÉNIAC-MONTMURAN DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 6-7 Montmuran FOUGÈRES IN MARQUISE DE SÉVIGNÉ COUNTRY ...... 8-9 TINTÉNIAC In Marquise RANCE VALLEY DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 10-11 de Sévigné Broceliande COUESNON VALLEY DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 12-13 country VITRÉ RENNES VILAINE VALLEY DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 14 TO 16 Gates BROCELIANDE DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 17 TO 19 PLÉLAN-LE-GRAND to Brittany GATES TO BRITTANY DISCOVERY TOUR ...... 20 TO 22 Vilaine Valley
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Whether crossing woods and marshland DOL AREA or leisurely following the coast, this tour leads to a land of legends where the landscapes are both wild discovery tour and sculpted by human hand.
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.
N 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-high rounded 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, 13th and 15th centuries) visit the Medievalys Middle Ages cathedral discovery centre. 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, is the only one of its kind to have been restored in the whole département. 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 TINTÉNIAC-MONTMURAN marked by history and reveals traces of its past in the open countryside. discovery 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-Hédé, no fewer than 11 locks can be made out along the green banks!
Architectural heritage A tour with an historical feel The Château de Montmuran, in Les Iffs, has retained its former charm with its towers and drawbridge. Bécherel'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 Château de La Bourbansais, in Pleugueneuc, boasts a beautifully decorated interior and children will enjoy the zoo in its grounds. The Musée de l’outil tool museum ends this tour of Tinténiac and is perfect for learning about D 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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Follow the Marquise de Sévigné tour and discover In MARQUISE DE SÉVIGNÉ country the countryside around Vitré, where this French writer once stayed. Enjoy the wealth of cultural and natural Exploring Vitré’s countryside heritage and the wide range of leisure activities on offer.
A mediaeval centre N You'd think it had come straight out of a fairy tale but the Château de Vitré is far from a dream. It is in fact one of the most beautiful citadels St Christophe- des-Bois in France and has been overlooking the River Châtillon- Vilaine since the late 11th century. Visit the en-Vendelais museum to find out more! The mediaeval town is also worth exploring as it boasts colourful half-timbered and slate façades – reminders of Montautour the wealth of overseas merchants. A mysterious
D 528 atmosphere lingers in the steep alleyways and shady squares to Notre-Dame Church, a jewel D 794 D 24 of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Not far from Vitré, you'll come across the former resi- D 178 D 777 Val-d’Izé St-M'Hervé dence of the Marquise de Sévigné, the Château
D 179 des Rochers-Sévigné. The tour is of course
D 24 D dotted with many other architectural treasures, Landavran D 105 Montreuil- such as Montautour, the surprising neo-Gothic sous-Pérouse Château du Bois Cornillé in Val-d’Izé or Champeaux Church and its close! D 305 La Haute-Vilaine Champeaux Reflected in the water… D 777 La Chapelle- Although history is very much present along D 704 Erbrée the tour, the countryside also reveals its gems. La Cantache ne ilai Varying in size, the many lakes reflect their a V L banks and the beautiful colours of the sky. D 857 VITRÉ Choose an original stop-off from the Base D 110 Nautique de Haute Vilaine water sports centre, La Valière dam (Vitré), Châtillon-en-Vendelais lake, La Cantache dam and Le Pertre lake. They offer walks along specially designed paths, fishing, bird watching and even sailing! Erbrée D 88 D 29 D 777 La Valière Aire d’Erbrée
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Les Rochers- Mondevert Sévigné N 157 D 111 D29
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RANCE VALLEY discovery tour
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.
Nature at the water's edge The River Rance ends its journey in a magnifi- cent ria, where fresh and salt water combine to 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-Père-Marc-en-Poulet or the surprising Tour Solidor, a tower that stands watch at the mouth of the river; it is home to the Musée international des Cap-Horniers Cape Horners museum. 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!
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Le Pontavis Le Pont Alçon Le Houx Set off in search of enchanting landscapes D 796 L'Écu
t u o and traditional architecture. Bazouges-la- m Ta Pérouse a La Courterie L Tremblay The ever-present River Couesnon is the main theme La Thévinière La Guinebaudais e La Câtinais ert x v on this 80 km tour. roi a C e L R. d La Chevalais La Blochais St-Brice- en-Cogles Charming countryside Le Bois de la vigne In some places, this tour follows country Ruisseau Rimou de Rin lanes that wind their way through the ferns, an D 18 L e like in Saint-Jean-sur-Couesnon, or under arch- C ou esn on ways of trees, as in Saint-Marc-sur-Couesnon. Les Bois Baudry Le Châtel It crosses a patchwork of tree-lined meadows set on hillsides and travels past more orderly t on Le Crapaudet Romazy M e d landscapes of cultivated fields towards the north. t u Chauvigné a D 211 H u In Vieux-Vy-sur-Couesnon, the road climbs D 397 d La Grande Noë au se s e i l Ru l e Le Moulin du Pont v to take in an impressive view with the river La Jardais ra G St-Georges a St-Marc-L running far below. The Couesnon, the star of
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s le-Blanc e D 97 n this tour, flows swiftly in some places and gently en R L'Augeardière s r in others. From the Mézières-sur-Couesnon e Brais v
5 Montéchard D 102 17 activity centre, you can hire a canoe and paddle Le Moulinet D La Chardronnais Le Tiercent La Basse down stream to Mont-Saint-Michel! For those Haye La Touche St-Martin of you with a bit more nerve, the site is also ideal
L Brimenel a M for climbing! Vieux-Vy- St-Christophe- ine de-Valains tte sur-Couesnon D 102 La Mézière Stone treasures Melleray La Croix Collin Set in granite country, the valley boasts many St-Ouen- Sous La Tisonnais le Bois des-Alleux architectural jewels, such as Saint-Martin La Touserie Church in Le Tiercent, Saint-André Church in
La Hunelais Antrain and Notre-Dame Church in Chauvigné. Quincampoix mill in Rimou and Guémain
D 102 D Le Couesnon La Bourgaignère mill in Vieux-Vy-sur-Couesnon once used the La Ville Thélossay Olivier power of the river for paper making or milling. Vilaune N 12 Le Le Pâtis The wide bridge in Antrain, with its three dif- Moulin St-Marc- Buret du Pont sur-Couesnon ferent arches, makes for a pleasant stop on the Mézières- La Gâterie sur-Couesnon D St-Martin banks of the river. Granite can also be seen in the pretty houses dotted along the route, such St-Jean- sur-Couesnon as in the hamlets of Montéchard and Brimenel,
N 12 D 103 D and the village of Saint-Christophe-de-Valains. D 794
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VILAINE VALLEY BROCELIANDE discovery tour discovery tour
The River Vilaine, known for its capricious nature, Broceliande forest invites visitors on a journey to the land of legends. is also the link between impressive landscapes, This 90 km tour takes on the magical feel of the site… charming villages and towns steeped in history. Its valley is a starting point for numerous walks. A forest of legends The greenery of Paimpont forest dominates Open countryside throughout the tour. This mainly private The Vilaine has sculpted beautiful scenes, estate recalls the ancient forest that covered ranging from breathtaking landscapes to pretty the entire Armorican peninsula in 5000 BC. views. This tour, tinged with blues and (Hiking is authorised in the private forest greens, also has a hint of wilderness. Take for along the G.R. hiking trail from April to Octo- example Les Corbinières site with its 70- ber). Departmental Wilderness Areas feature metre-high slopes carpeted with pine forests. some of the most beautiful landscapes along Every now and again the road climbs and, the tour. Migratory birds find refuge on the through the trees, you'll catch a glimpse of the banks of the 50-hectare Paimpont lake and wooded horizon. In Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, also spend the winter on the Careil estate in the river seems to disappear into numerous Iffendic. The stone in Broceliande has sculpted lakes alongside its banks whereas in La Courbe, the landscape, for example the Chambre aux part of Bourg-des-Comptes, it traces a wide Loups valley in Iffendic has carved out its path loop lined with steep hillsides and gravel pits. through red schist cliffs, and there are breath- There is a wealth of nature in the Vilaine Valley taking views along the GR 37 hiking trail… and the plant- and wildlife will delight enthusiasts. The stones have a story to tell The Broceliande tour features many examples Where water meets stone… of architectural heritage, such as the Roman The Grand’Rue of Redon and its half-timbered Byzantine Saint-Maxent Church. Tréhorenteuc's houses, the ship owners' residences with Sainte-Onenne Church will delight those seeking beautiful wrought iron balconies along Quai the Holy Grail as it conceals richly decorated Duguay-Trouin, and the Tour Richelieu and stained glass and mosaics. Imposing Paim- Hôtel de Carmoy residences all bear witness pont abbey church is reflected in the waters of to Redon's prestigious past. Very early on, the its lake and is not to be missed! Stroll around town featured religious architecture that the Château de Comper in Concoret. The red reflected its strategic importance. Langon has schist walls now house the Centre de l’Imagi- a more modest religious heritage but is just as naire Arthurien which is open for exhibitions, charming with Saint-Pierre Church and guided tours of the forest and workshops for Sainte-Agathe Chapel. Close by, the metal children. Broceliande is undoubtedly a land of coated Port-de-Roche bridge crosses the river legends. Perhaps one of its most magical sites with style. Finally, Le Boël lock, in Pont-Réan, is the Val sans Retour or Valley of No Return. is one of the most picturesque sights in the Fairy Morgan La Fay is said to have imprisoned valley… and the starting point for many hikes. 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. 16 17 MP-2010-GB-noir 100 14/01/10 13:27 Page 18
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Sortie N°29 N 12 St-Sauveur- D 179 des-Landes La Chapelle Javené A 84 St-Aubert Croix de l’Union D 798 Le Couesnon
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GATES TO BRITTANY discovery tour
Follow this long winding road tour and enter into a world where stone, water and plants combine to create the perfect setting.
From wartime to peacetime, the stones tell a story… Having survived the past intact, the castles of Fougères and Vitré bear witness to the defensive role once played by the area. The immense Fougères fortress is open to the public and reveals its treasures like a genuine book about military architecture. Be sure to stroll in the streets lined with colourful half-timbered façades to really get a feel for this town, steeped in history. In Châteaugiron, admire the castle's imposing mediaeval towers and the softer lines of its more welcoming residence. Colourful half-timbered façades 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 Chevré lake, crossed by a 13th-century Romanesque bridge or Car- craon lake in Domalain. Marcillé-Robert and Châtillon-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-Fées in the Essé 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 Château de La Ballue (Bazouges-la- Pérouze) with its surprising Baroque and 22 mannerist gardens. 23 MP-2010-GB-noir 100 14/01/10 13:27 Page 24
ASK FOR THE DETAILED BROCHURE IN ONE OF THE PAYS TOURISTIQUES OR IN LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES.
Pays Touristique G.I.T Pays Touristique de G.I.T Pays Touristique de G.I.T Pays Touristique de de Brocéliande la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel Tel. +33 (0)2.99.06.86.07 Bretagne Romantique Bretagne Romantique Bretagne Romantique www.broceliande-tourisme.com Tel. +33 (0)2.99.48.34.53 Tel. +33 (0)2.99.48.34.53 Tel. +33 (0)2.99.48.34.53 www.paysdelabaie-mtstmichel.com www.paysdelabaie-mtstmichel.com www.paysdelabaie-mtstmichel.com
Pays Touristique Pays Touristique Pays Touristique Maison du tourisme de Fougères des Portes de Bretagne des Portes de Bretagne du Pays de Redon Tel. +33 (0)2.99.94.60.30 Tel. +33 (0)2.99.44.58.44 Tel. +33 (0)2.99.44.58.44 Tel. +33 (0)2.99.71.06.04 www.bretagne-fougeres.com www.portes-de-bretagne.com www.portes-de-bretagne.com www.tourisme-pays-redon.com Pays Touristique de Fougères Pays Touristique Tel. +33 (0)2.99.94.60.30 des Portes de Bretagne www.bretagne-fougeres.com Tel. +33 (0)2.99.44.58.44 www.portes-de-bretagne.com
Comité Départemental The Conseil général departmental council has fully funded du Tourisme Haute-Bretagne the signposts for these departmental tours, Ille-et-Vilaine approved by the Comité du Tourisme Tourist Board, and hopes you enjoy your visit. 5, rue du Pré Botté - BP 60149 35101 Rennes cedex 3 Tel. +33 (0)2.99.78.47.40 www.bretagne35.com
Photos: C. Boisvieux, D. Bonnefoy, B. Bouflet, P. Choleau, B. Demée, A. Dugas, P. Glais, J.P. Gratien, Hokus Pokus, J.M. Lair, M.T. Le Duff, V. Legendre, A. Mauxion, Musées de Vitré, Pays de Fougères, Pays de Redon, J.C. Pinheira, D. Provost, Text: Erik Wietzel - Map illustration: Christophe Esnault - 2009 Edition.