Uncover Meneac, Morbihan, Brittany: Hidden Gems & Activities

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).

To the north of Questembert, the town of Molac is perched on a hill overlooking the Valley of Arz. The town's architectural heritage reflects its history, which is thousands of years old. The trail heads toward the River Arz and takes the Voie Verte (Green Lane), the old railway. It crosses the Grées (shale-like hills) of Lindeul. Finally, it penetrates the vast forest of Lanvaux. Please follow the yellow marks.

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.)

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).

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.)

Rochefort-en-Terre is very lucky to have a rich architectural heritage. Thanks to the local government’s desire to maintain and protect the site, this village is now classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (an award honouring the remarkable architectural heritage and landscape of small villages in France). Rochefort-en-Terre is also part of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and Villes Fleuris (an award recognising a town’s respect for the environment, protection of a social and community network, and quality of its tourist facilities) with four flowers thanks to the combined efforts by the community and residents. Starting from Place du Puits, take Rue des Scourtets, and then, Chemin des Douves, located to your right. Walk along the strongholds and fortifications built during the 14th and 16th centuries.

Awarded 4 flowers by Village Fleuri, the town of La Vraie-Croix is also known for winning the Grand Prix National du Fleurissement (an award given out every year to one or several villages in France with 4 flowers), and the Prix Européen du Fleurissement (for all of Europe). It is also invited to attend the Floralies International, a prestigious floral event held in Nantes in May 2014. La Vraie-Croix was formerly known as Langroez and used as a resting place for the Knights of Malta during the Crusades.

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!

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!

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.

This delightful area allows you to enjoy the quietness of the lake. You can picnic, fish or practise rowing here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Stay in Rochefort-en-Terre, in the Heart of Brittany: Accommodation & Must-See Attractions Rochefort-en-Terre, ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," is a charming destination in Brittany, perfect for a getaway blending nature, heritage, and local craftsmanship. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and picturesque ambiance, this village captivates visitors seeking authenticity and relaxation. Accommodation in Rochefort-en-Terre – Domaine de Kerioche The Domaine de Kerioche – Terres de France welcomes you in a peaceful and green setting, surrounded by nature. The residence offers fully equipped and comfortable accommodations, ideal for family vacations, friendly getaways, or business seminars in the heart of Brittany. Located near the historic center of Rochefort-en-Terre and the Moulin Neuf Lake, it is the perfect retreat for relaxation and outdoor activities. Places of Interest The Village of Rochefort-en-Terre: Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, known for its flower-adorned houses, local artisans, and medieval charm. Rochefort-en-Terre Castle: A medieval fortress turned into an artistic residence, offering stunning views over the town. Moulin Neuf Lake: A natural area perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, pedal boating, and tree-top adventure courses. La Gacilly: Discover the artisan village and its famous outdoor photography festival. The Carnac Alignments: Experience Brittany’s prehistoric heritage with these impressive megalithic stones, located less than an hour away. Book your stay at Domaine de Kerioche at Rochefort en Terre and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Rochefort-en-Terre and its surroundings!

Take the pedestrian crossing towards Célac pond. Walk around it on the left and climb up towards the campsite entrance. Go straight until you come to the Fountain of Hulo, further down the RD. Go around the campsite and continue through the moorland of Kerjumais. Cross RD1 towards the playing fields of Galinio. Continue close to the orchard and go down through the woods via a nice hollow way.

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.