Saint-Méloir-des-Bois, a natural heritage

The starting point is in front of the mairie. The village-centre is caracterised by a well united architectural style from the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Fifty years back, the majority of these houses were shops (bars, grocery store...).

These four columns have been standing on the square since 1961 only. One of them, moved from the La Barbotais village in 1825, is meant to have been a milestone on the Etrat Roman road between Corseul and Vannes (Morbihan). Another one might have been used as an altar for sacrifices, recent research suggests, however, that it was reused as a font by the Church, a common practise to reuse pagan ruins. The last two could have belonged to a long gone Roman monument. The taller one bears theses writings : “IMP. CAES. AVONIO-VICTORINO. P.E.P.I.S.C.O.L.E.V.C”. One of the possible translations would be: ‘To the Emperor Caesar Avonius Victorinus, pious, fortunate, invincible prince, his ambassador dedicates and consecrates this monument.’ Not far from there, you can visit with your family, in Corseul, the Centre d’Interprétation du Patrimoine CORIOSOLIS and many remnants of these Gallo-Roman times.

A small chapel from the 13th century is replaced in the 19th century by the current church, still surrounded today by a enclos paroissial, (church presinct), financed by the “fabrique” (Group of religious people and clergymen who rule on the church’s goods and finances). Some of the paving stones are marked by the coat of arms of Saint-Méloir, of Tréal; by the baptismal font, and of Du Bois-Adam. The lateral door on the noon side is topped by a stoned Madonna with bird of the 15th century (cl. M. H. 1956). Inside, the golden copper monstrance was given to Saint-Méloir by Napoléon III when touring Brittany in 1858. Inside the church presinct, a yew tree can be found; a tree worshiped by the Celts for its virtues of immortality.

The bakehouse is an essential part of rural life; the more important villages used to have many across their territory. Batches were anticipated. The bundles of wood were prepared during winter at the "ragossage" (winter trimming of the trees, leaving only the trunk). Les "chauffous" (men heating the oven) kept the fire going for a full night, before the inside of the oven, whitened by head, was considered ready. The villagers then brought their loaves to share a convivial moment, explaining the French expression "Ramener ses miches." to bring ones loaves over", a familiar expression to say someone is coming over, "miches" (loaves) becoming therefore an argotic term for "bottom". This oven, from the village-centre, is still in working order. During village fêtes, the oven is sometimes used.

The old presbytery consists of a hip roofed house, enclosed by a wall and a front porch.

It was built at the beginning of the 1880's. Children's at play cries can't be heard anymore today since there are not enough left in this 270 souls village.

The sports field (foot-ball, tennis...), strawberry fields and a camper-van area can be found there.

The French Revolution area was a trouble one for this Chouan village. Renamed, it even lost its statute of "commune" for a century. Nonetheless, the Republic is celebrated by this symbolic tree, planted at the two-hundredth anniversary.

The countryside villages were often associated to one or a few watering places. Here the remnants of one of the village-centre fountaines can be found, a meeting place of former days.

Welcome to the only commerce of the village. This artisanal crêperie, certified "crêperie gourmande" distinguishes itself by an authentic cuisine, exclusively realised from fresh products by the hostess : artisan crêpier. Her original preparations, the quality of the setting and the warm welcome makes this crêperie one of the best of the area. Two dining rooms and a south facing terrasse. Some specialities: galette with scallops and leeks fondue, crêpes with caramelised apple, salter butter caramel and vanilla ice cream, kig-ha-farz (to order, some Sundays) Details on : www.creperiesucrésalé.monsite.orange.fr