Explore Irodouer, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany's hidden gem

Go and discover a village-centre that will know how to surprise you From the centre animated by the shops and its Sunday market, to its buildings show casing the use of local granite, you'll wander to original natural spaces. There are no signs along this itinerary. (The proposed circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible evolution of the grounds or the environment. The use of these itineraries is therefore left to the individual and personal responsability of the users, the Office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsability as to the use of the maps and the eventual accidents that may occur on the given itineraries.)

When arriving in Saint-Méloir-des-Bois, you will be taken by the authentic and preserved aspect of this village from Brittany. The village boasts, since 2000, the certification of “Commune du Patrimoine rural de Bretagne” (Village of the Rural Heritage of Brittany), which shines a light on the existence of an architectural, landscape, ethnological and historical heritage which permits to understand the land and its inhabitants. From its environmental action (Agenda 21) and its preserved countryside, it is also crowned « Village Nature ». Finally, it won prizes for the quality of its flowers and obtained a third flower at the Flowered Towns and Villages contest in 2013. This short itinerary allows each and everyone to discover this charming village. (The proposed itineraries are given as an indication and don’t take into account the possible evolution of the ground or the environment. The use of these itineraries is, therefore, of the individual responsibility of the users, the Office de Tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility towards the use of the map and of potential incidents that may occur on the proposed circuits).

Nazareth district was attached to Plancoët as late as 1841. Before then, it was an important hamlet of Corseul, the Roman city. The central rue de l'Abbaye, with its preserved architecture, is one of the oldest streets of the town. This bank of the Arguenon River is the theater of the first steps of great Romantic author: François-René de Chateaubriand. François-René de Chateaubriand was born in St Malo on Septembre 4th 1768 and was buried, as he asked, at the Grand Bé, in front of St Malo, July 19th 1848. Feeble newborn, he spent his early childhood "at Plancoët's fresh air' where his grand-mother, Madame de Bedée placed him in a nanny's care. He stayed there for approximately three years, then it was Saint-Malo and Combourg, Dol, Rennes and Dinan's schools from where, adolescent, he comes to visit his family. He's the witness of his kin's happiness... This walk follow the circuit that Chateaubriand's mother and grand-mother took between la Bouëtardaye manor, the rented house of Rue de l'Abbaye and Nazareth church. (These suggested itineraries are given as an indication and don't take the possible evolution of the grounds or the environment into account. The use of these circuits is, therefore, left to the personal responsability of the users, the Office de tourisme disengages itself of any responsability towards the use of the maps and the possible accidents that might occur on the offered itinerary).

This educational path and its signs that you are about to discover were pade by Plancoët's Public School, through a Nature Régional Territorial contract "For the valorisation of the biodiversity and of the natural heritage of Plancoët." This Nature contract, that took place between 2011 and 2014, had as principal objectives to : - Getting to know and promote the regional biodiversity's quality and its relations with the geo-diversity through flora and fauna invetories (vertebrate and invertebrate) and through geological studies in order to categorise habitats and their evolution, their relations with the underground, the ground's nature and of the hydrogeology of the site... - Offer management solution for the site by concertation amongst the owners for its quality to be kept and its heritage to be valorised through a work of appropriation by the great public and educational initiative while taking into account local economical activities. http://bio-scene.org/content/tertre-de-brandefer (The suggested circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible terrain or environment evolution. The users’ personal responsibility is engaged by the use of these circuits, the Office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility regarding the use of the maps and possible accidents that may occur on the proposed itinerary.)

Do you think you know Plancoët well enough? Let the town surprise you! You’ll be surprised by the maritime heritage, the edifices and architectural details of this lovely flowered village-centre between sea and countryside. The Breton origin of the name Plancoët means, according to Plancoët born poetes; Marie-Paule Salonne, “Land of the Wood” (The suggested circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible terrain or environment evolution. The users’ personal responsibility is engaged by the use of these circuits, the Office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility regarding the use of the maps and possible accidents that may occur on the proposed itinerary.)

An island joins itself to land Island, isn’t really no more But the essential still remains... The sea is ever-present North, West,South,East, She left her mark on nature She left her mark on men Summer for her beaches Winter for her landscapes All year round for her breath of fresh air Saint-Jacut wants itself intimate and friendly, opened and secretive, above all ___ See you soon for a singular holiday. This great tour of the peninsula is meant for hikers; it can be discovered through two distinct paths of a 6km/3.7miles distance. Let yourself be energised and jump in a great bath of sea spray, sun and, according to the season, sea water. Have a nice discovery (The suggested circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible terrain or environment evolution. The users’ personal responsibility is engaged by the use of these circuits, the office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility regarding the use of the maps and possible accidents that may occur on the proposed itinerary.)

Fital Vakanties’s criteria: - Accommodation: hotels *** (high capacity) - Type of clientele : seniors/groups - Length of stay: 8 to 15 days - Km/day: 45 to 60km, easy roads - Any type of circuit

Spend a sensational hour at the Piloting School in Rennes. Accompanied by an instructor, take control of a tourist airplane! Spend a sensational hour at the Piloting School in Rennes and take control of a tourist airplane while accompanied by an instructor,  Make the most of this activity for two and soar through the air. Learn the theoretical basics of piloting a tourist airplane from your instructor. You will be taught how to taxi, take off, turn and land. Before taking off, you will learn all about the plane as explained by your teacher. Then, led by your pilot-guide, take turns sitting at the helm of the plane and taxi on the runway towards the take-off point. Once in the air, you will feel the thrill of flying through the clouds and take in splendid views of Brittany’s landscapes. Treat yourself by choosing this activity for two and have a sensational experience at the helm of a tourist airplane!

Accompanied by your instructor, spend 15 exciting minutes at the Piloting School in Rennes. You will immediately take control of a tourist airplane! Accompanied by your instructor, spend 15 exciting minutes at the Piloting School in Rennes. Then, you will immediately take control of a tourist airplane. Led by your pilot-guide, taxi on the runway towards the take-off point. At take-off time, the pilot will take the controls then let you continue going upwards. Once in the air, you will feel the thrill of flying through the clouds. You can even do some turns, ascents and descents. Take in splendid views of Brittany’s landscapes and enjoy the unique experience of being at the controls. Start your descent towards the runway where your instructor will take back the controls for a short while to land before letting you taxi towards the airport’s parking lot. Treat yourself to this sensational experience at the helm of a tourist airplane!

Spend an unforgettable hour at the Piloting School in Rennes. Take control of a tourist airplane with an instructor. Spend an unforgettable hour at the Piloting School in Rennes and take control of a tourist airplane while accompanied by an instructor. Make the most of this activity and soar through the air. Learn the theoretical basics of piloting a tourist airplane from your instructor. You will be taught how to taxi, take off, turn and land. Before taking off, you will learn all about the plane as explained by your teacher. Then, led by your pilot-guide, sit at the helm of the plane and taxi on the runway towards the take-off point. Once in the air, you will feel the thrill of flying through the clouds. Take in splendid views of Brittany’s landscapes and enjoy the unique experience of being at the controls. Treat yourself by choosing this activity and have a sensational experience at the helm of a tourist airplane!

Spend half a day horse riding and exploring the Brocéliade Forest!  Discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide and enjoy a picnic.  SPEND HALF A DAY HORSE RIDING AND EXPLORING THE BROCÉLIADE FOREST! Enjoy a horse riding excursion and discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide. Your excursion starts at the equestrian centre where you will leave in a small group. After a few hours of exploring the heart of nature, pause for a picnic that you will all share. This horse riding adventure is ideal for revitalising yourself all while discovering the fascinating surroundings of Merlin the Wizard.

Go horse riding in the heart of the mythic Brocéliande Forest! Spend one hour with your guide riding along the paths of the legendary sites. GO HORSE RIDING IN THE HEART OF THE MYTHIC BROCÉLIANDE FOREST! After leaving the equestrian centre, go on a one-hour horse ride and discover the local flora and fauna in the most famous forest in Brittany.  Witness nature flourishing in this magical forest with your small group as you appreciate the scenery of Neolithic standing stones and deer as described in Celtic and medieval stories and legends. Follow the trail of the Knights of the Round Table on this relaxing and original horse ride!

Take off on board an ultralight trike or autogyro and take in the breathtaking views over Mont Saint-Michel! TAKE OFF ON BOARD AN ULTRALIGHT TRIKE OR AUTOGYRO AND TAKE IN THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER MONT SAINT-MICHEL! Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises up in the heart of a vast bay invaded by the biggest tides in Europe and offers visitors some spectacular scenery. In the company of a qualified pilot, fly away for a tour of this renowned site! Take in the views of its medieval architecture, the area’s flora and fauna and the beautiful coastal scenery. This is an out-of-the-ordinary way of seeing the Wonder of the Western World!

Fly over Mont Saint-Michel Bay on an ultralight trike or autogyro and explore its incredible scenery! FLY OVER MONT SAINT-MICHEL BAY ON AN ULTRALIGHT TRIKE OR AUTOGYRO AND EXPLORE ITS INCREDIBLE SCENERY! Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its medieval architecture and ideal location in the heart of a vast bay invaded by the biggest tides in Europe. In the company of an experienced guide, set off to discover this world-famous site. On an ultralight trike or autogyro, fly all the way around Mont Saint-Michel and take in the panoramic views of the bay and the cliffs of Champeaux. Discover the local flora and fauna and enjoy the adrenaline rush over this historical, cultural and natural site!

A semi-detached gite, next to another house in the centre of Ruffigné. Unfenced garden of 400m² with patio. GR.FL: Lounge/diner. Kitchen with fireplace. Bathroom with WC. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 1-2 (large): double bed, single bed. Additional facilities: freezer, DVD player, stereo, baby equipment. Extra charges for oil-fired heating (14€ per day), electricity, bed linen, towels and firewood. Châteaubriant 10km. Le plus: a lovely old building, close to several rivers

There used to be little industries in Plélan, and the granite quarries poorly worked because of a relative isolation. In the 1930's, Plélan, chef lieu de canton (administrative centre of a groupe of villages), had 980 souls. After the war, the surroundings of the streets, the village centre and the national road are built, changing the village into a street-city. The village-centre then had 7 bars, 2 bakeries, 2 butchers, 1 cobbler, 1 saddler... There are manly small shop owners and artisans. There are no entreprises, unlike Plancoët, because of a lack of roads and of port. In front of the back of the church, the old "Hôtel des voyageurs" can be found, a hotel that had 5 rooms and of a sometimes subversive reputation. 300m from there to the South, at the bottom of the playging fields, used to be a train station for the lign Jugon-Dinan, taken apart in 1938/1939. The train had four 4 wagons (3 for goods/ 1 for travelers). Plélan was a quiet village, its inhabitants united. From the 1970's onward, the good situation of the village helps the installation of new inhabitants. Its when the mairie was built with the granite extracted South of the village. Go around the building by the left and follow the street.

Stay on the same sidewalk for about 250m (after the castle). You can see the layers of the old Roman road. Take on the right the path to Trégouët Abbey, and climb the hill up to the Temple. On this hill, the largest Gallo Roman sanctuary of Brittany stands. Created ex-nihilo, this monument appears as a tool to serve the integration of the local populations and shows the dedication of the Coriosolites city to the Empire. Its construction, based on the size and the cost, was in two stages and on a few decades between the end of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The Romano-Celtic building, facing east, is organised around a vast sacred courtyard covering 5,000m² (108m x 98m). and is surrounded by three raised porticoes. It is said to be Romano-Celtic since it uses, in its architecture, a polygonal cella (most sacred area of the sanctuary) in Celtic tradition, associated to the Greek system with three porticoes, the whole linked with the Etrusco-Italic constructions through its frontality. The columns are in the Tuscan style, very puridied Roman architectural order. One entered the sanctuary through the vestibules which allowed to host, control and guide the pilgrims. The sacred area could hold around 5,000 people. The processions and calls of the Emperor representatives took place under the porticoes. The octogonal cella, (tower originally 22.50m heigh) of which four walls still remain, was the most sacred area of the sanctuary, reserved to the sacerdos (priests) and the elite. The cella housed the tutelar deity's statue, Mars Mullo. The pilgrims couldn't access this area. To pray to the god, they turned in the adjoining gallery and left their offerings to the God in a small exedra. The sanctuary was destroyed by fire, most likely between 275 and 290 AD. Voluntary fires caused during pillages by Saxon pirates going up the Rance River, or by peasants revolts against imperial power and social order. Many a building, public or private, walls or enclosures, of the area has been built with the stones from these ruins. An interpretative itinerary in free access shows you the life of the sanctuary. Slip into Gaius' mind, our mascotte, and let yourself be lead into the pilgrim's ceremony! Go around the site and retrace your steps to CORIOSOLIS.

A first presbytary was built in 1766 and called "la Fabrique". It is administrated by clerics and seculars. Often flooded, inaccessible by rise in the water levels, it is replaced by the current building in 1890. Left after the great tempest of 1987, the municipality chose to rehabilitate it in 2010 as a common house and garden.

Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church (1876-1878) is designed by architect Théodore Maignan and Réglain company. It is built with stones from local quarries. The building is of a Latin cross plan, of which the transept has four chapels and the chevet and wings cut off corners. The first stone was consecrated September 17th, 1876; the church was brought to worship April 21, 1878 and consacreted by Bishop David, November 5, 1878.

The washtub is an important place of the last century in the life of a village, a place to socialise. Built around 1950, it is restaure with its ladder fish and its lusqh surroundings, or old "Ondine", piece of art made in hommage of the Lavandières by Laétitia Lavieville. As to the path, in a valley where the playing noises of pupuls can be felt, it is easy to guess the cunicol origin of its name.

This humid area close to the village centre is called "les plantations". It's after the great storm of 1987 that the idea to creat a preserve zone at the beginning of the Montafilan River is born. A rehabilitation project is being lead since 1999: 1200 trees and shrubs are plantes, a walking path, a great swale and panoramic view points are designed. Nature reclaims her rights.

The village-centre of Plélan-le-Petit's village centre maintains a good unity. The houses, often old shopes, were built with the granite from the local quarries. Most of them dates back to the 19th century.

The graveyard was moved in 1933 to the outskirts of the village. It was first in the parochial enclosure by the church. An odd grave can be found named Nian Koi. It's the grave of a Senegalese man. Indeed, during WWII, the Germans, who were housed in locals homes (no Kommandantur), put to slavery "tirailleurs sénégalais", housed in barracks (the current meda centre) to clear the moor. Famed Nian Koi, suffering of dysentry, rebelled and refused to work. He was killed and the people of Plélan chose to welcome him into their graveyard.

The ossuary dates back to the 17th century. It was incorporated to the graveyard next to the church. The parochial presinct being abandonned, the ossuary in the way of traffic, the Germans wanted to raze it, it was moved in 1941/42. It was a collective grave used before the French Revolution. At the time of the ossuary construction, the graveyard was a living place, a fair where happy moments happen.This ossuary is in granite, of heavy architecture, the roof is made of stone slates and the aperture is decorated with two collars. In 1861, the Priest of Plélan, Father Morin, wished to bring those three crosses to make a calvary, destined to walks of Fête-Dieu. Therefore, a mound was raised, half-circular, held by a wall with a earth ramp to access it on marshes grounds where the actual Salle des Fêtes is. The three crosses were moved by some twenty metres on the road to Saint-Maudez (current Media Centre). This new place next to an electric transformer was polemical and in 1971, the municipality decided on a new change, by the graveyard. The two crosses on the sides are called "pattées" (legged), they are latin crosses with the branches wider at the end. They surround the third cross, more curious, in the shape of a Lorraine cross with two cross-pieces, with its shaft slightly curved. The pedestal of these crosses, more ancient, were chosen on the Etrat Path (road from Corseul to Vannes)

Take the same path up to the sign which tell you a quite different meadow. This is a conservatory meadow: pears for poiré; a drink, close to cidre, heavily consumed in the last century.

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

Going down the steps you arrive in a valley away from the main road. In Chateaubriand's time, these houses were the only ones in the hamlet. Nazareth district was an craftemen's district. The façades gave out on the street; the shop was held at the ground floor (the old shop windows can be made out on the façades) and the people lived on the first floor. At the back was a back-shop, a work-shop, sometimes an oven, a garden for the food missing and at the bottom of the valley, water, the essential element to every and any craft. "My grand-mother lived in the only street of the hamlet de l'Abbaye, a pretty small house of which the gardens went down in terraces to a valley and at the end of which a small fountain, surrounded by willow trees, could be found. (extract from Memories of my Life)

Plancoët is also a port at the back of a ria. In the middle of the 19th century, the light boats were numerous to dock there and load or unload grains, apples, wood, « marne » ou « tangue » of the sea (mud to spread on the fields, used as a fertiliser on the crops) The arrival of the train in 1879 meant its decline.

Plancoët was the safest ford down on the ria. It is also there that the strength of the river could be used. As early as 1223, writings mention mills, like those you can see on each side of the bridge, turned into houses today.

When on the Landouar square, go up on the left of the Grande Rue and go back to the office. The Grande Rue, (Main Street), was, for a long time, the only way called “rue”; the other were paths or roads. On this main road, rare houses show only their façades. Right or left the “rangées” (rows of houses) are aligned. At the end of the Impasse du Paradis (Heaven’s dead end) you’ll meet Saint Christopher, protector of the travelers. This granite statue from the 15th century proves how long he was celebrated in Jaguen territory.

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

Opening 03/04/2020 > 27/09/2020 Huttopia Baie du Mont St Michel campsite welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Brittany on the edge of a lake in the midst of the countryside. Located near Saint Malo and Mont St Michel, enjoy a holiday of sightseeing, swimming in the pool, walks and family activities.

This area by the lake is heaven for fishermen, numerous to come to tickle black-basses and pikes. Everything is laid out: parking-lot for cars and recreational vehicles, picnic tables, bridges and wild landscapes.

The small manor Des Portes is rebuilt in the 19th century by the Danican family, St-Malo shipowners. In 1978 it becomes the municipal town-hall after having been bought a few years earlier. The park, surrounded by high stone walls is a leisure area nowadays. It houses a few children's games and an agreable camping site, most of the year. It is also a place where the flowers abound, the village actually obtained a regional prize for its flowering and is proud to have the 1flower label.

After the Plage des Haas, the costal path follows the abbey’s park. A gate allows you to access this private property and discover its remarkable edifice. History and legend tell us that in the 5th century, two twin monks, Jacut and Guéthenoc, arrived on this peninsula called « Landoac » looking for a fitting place to create a hermitage. A Benedictine monastery was established there and had a great influence on the region’s development and evolution until the French Revolution. Sold as Bien National (National Good), sold again many times, the abbey knows many vicissitudes and different uses (Border guard caserns, home to a wealthy foreign family...). In 1875, the monastery’s ruins are bought by the Congrégation des Sœur de l’Immaculée: a religious order from St-Méen-le-Grand (Ille-et-Vilaine), they’ll turn it into a nursing home for the nuns and a free school for the children of the area. The restoration starts right away. To finance the school, the nuns host, firstly the British tourists who came, under doctor’s orders, to take sea water and hot algae baths. They stream in right from 1876. That’s the start of the “guesthouse”. Along the years, the summer holiday goers keep growing in numbers; the nuns develop the hotel capacities of the Abbey and diversify the activities and the hosting: the Abbey is now a guesthouse and a high place of cultural and spiritual encounters. Please respect the environment and the quietness of the residents.

On the borders of Normandy and Brittany, the village of Sacey marks the entrance to the land of the Bay of Mont St-Michel. In this peaceful hamlet, the owners have perfectly renovated this cozy house. The 2 bedrooms upstairs have their own private bathroom for more comfort. The atmosphere of the house is soft and relaxing like this place surrounded by greenery and great tranquility. In addition to discovering the marvel of the West, you can easily discover the ports of Cancale or Granville, renowned medieval sites such as Fougères or Dinan, passing through more unusual discoveries such as the bell foundry of Villedieu or the Scriptorial d' Avranches.

In an old farmhouse, this house is friendly with its lounge area with fireplace for your evenings or its large table to gather your tribe around the meal. The terrace, facing south is also pleasant in the slightest ray of sunshine, surrounded by a beautiful lawned area. Marion and her brother Benjamin have been working since 2021 on the rehabilitation of this family property and will be happy to welcome you to this peaceful hamlet of Boucey south of Pontorson (all shops nearby). Possibility of easy walk in the surrounding bocage. You can walk along the nearby Couesnon river to guide you to the foot of the famous Mont St-Michel and its legendary silhouette. Between Brittany and Normandy, you will take advantage of this advantageous position to discover, for a weekend or a week, the treasures of Ille et Vilaine and the Manche.

Discover this luxury house with swimming pool in the heart of Pontorson, the last city before Mont-Saint-Michel, for a very comfortable stay! In a peaceful alley, you will discover behind this discreet facade a magnificent contemporary extension and its private garden. Once you cross the threshold of the door, you will be caught by the resolutely contemporary style of this house and amazed by its comfort and its dimensions. No less than 5 bedrooms are distributed in this set, each with bathroom. The very spacious living room, bathed in light, is remarkably fitted out. The covered swimming pool extends this living space and will delight the whole family. Elodie, the owner, endeavored to equip the house as rarely to satisfy all your desires. Household appliances are plentiful for the tribe (waffle maker, fryer, or raclette) and the welcome reserved for the little ones is exemplary with a dedicated room with everything you need. A pleasant enclosed garden completes the property. What to fully enjoy with family or friends of your getaway at the foot of Mont St-Michel!

This small dynamic city on the banks of the Couesnon is closely linked to Mont St-Michel located a few kilometers downstream. A stone's throw from the station, Margot offers guest rooms in her bourgeois residence in the town centre. She has fitted out a small gite in the outbuilding located in the garden. Something suitable for small families who will find here a suitable place for an extended vacation time between Normandy and Brittany. The shared covered swimming pool located just at the corner of the terrace will delight children. The cozy bedrooms overlook a mezzanine landing where a play area is also available. All shops nearby.