Chartres-de-Bretagne walks

A short hike between ponds and following the Seiche river.

Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Vilaine river and the Étangs d'Apigné lakes. This lake area is very popular with the people of Rennes for sports and picnics. You are sure to come across joggers and cyclists along the path.

A very pleasant hike. First section at the top of cliffs, with lovely views over the Vilaine river and the site "Moulin du Boël". Cross a shady woodland, then return along the towpath. To avoid as much as possible passing along the military site's fence ("Le Celar"), this new description uses a slightly more technical part of the GR®.

A beautiful walk through meadows and forest with numerous ponds along the way.

An urban walk where you first stroll along the Vilaine river before crossing two public gardens. Then you wander through the historic centre of Rennes with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. With the Palais Saint-Georges, the Portes Mordelaises, the Opera House, the Parliament of Brittany and several churches, there is a rich heritage to discover.

This is a beautiful circular that partly follows theGR®39along charming paths. The return journey is along the towpath, going up the Vilaine. This path takes you through beautiful landscapes, typical villages, charming residences and locks, and ends up running alongside this river, which is so poorly named.

Short family walk along the discovery trail in the protected natural site of the Canut Valley. The route is mostly shaded and features educational panels on the local flora and fauna. On the trail, you will pass by the old Ritoir mill, which has been converted into the Maison des Énergies.

This area, aptly named Pays des Vallons de Vilaine (Land of the Vilaine Valleys), offers a rugged topography that is almost unique in the department and will delight hiking enthusiasts. The La Trotinais route has a total elevation gain of almost 200 metres. The village of Saint-Senoux and its 19th-century parish church of Saint-Abdon, as well as the hamlets of La Trotinais and La Fiolais, are well worth a visit.

A short hike in the Rennes forest along shady forest lines and paths through the forest alongside the Caleuvre stream. This easy trail is particularly beautiful in early spring, when the beech trees have young, light-green leaves, or in autumn, when the leaves have turned yellow and red. It takes you along the old water supply line that brought water from the Minette (a tributary of the Couesnon) to Rennes.

A pretty, easy, well-marked walk passing by a chapel, the Château du Gué, the Ancienne Fonderie de Servon-sur-Vilaine, the Oratoire Saint-Mathurin, the Vilaine, the old mill, the protected Pas Davy site, the greenhouses (mainly tomatoes) and the calvary. The return journey takes you along a leafy driveway through a housing estate.

A pleasant walk in the Forest of Rennes, passing through Saint-Sulpice-la-Forêt.

This route will take you through the Châteaubourg countryside where, as its name suggests, there are several ponds: Pont de Pierre Pond, Roches Bises Pond and Grand Fayelle Pond. You will also walk along a small section of the Corbière Forest. This route is FFRandonnée certified. It can be done on foot or by bike.

A short trail in Brittany’s countryside with a section along the Veuvre that winds before flowing into Chevré lake. Do not miss the small Roman bridge with its stone arches.

A hike that will take you from Saint-Médard-sur-Ille to Saint-Germain-sur-Ille through the Bois de Cranne (protected natural area) and along the towpath (greenway) with its locks.

The first part of this hike takes you into deep woods. Then you will discover the archaeological site of the medieval castle of Boutavent. Continue this hike through open areas with beautiful panoramic views and steep ascents and descents to reach the Étang de la Chambre au Loup.The return journey takes you back up a steep, open and rocky climb with breathtaking views. :!: 9.07.2025: The signposting has been changed from blue to yellow.

Circuit exploring the 11 locks of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance.

The Couesnon river meanders through a deep valley, home to ancient mills.

This route of the Couesnon can be divided into two parts: a circular route to the west and another to the east, the latter of which can be shortened. The Couesnon has a very winding course as it crosses the granite massif. Its limestone-free water was used for a long time in paper mills in the 17th century. With this industry now gone, the Couesnon is a delight for salmonids and kayakers alike.