Croquélien, in the footsteps of the Margot fairies

de fr

Brittany is a land of legends. The site of Croquélien, with its chaotic granite boulders, was once reputed to be the home of the Margot fairies. This short walk will allow you to discover this pretty spot, searching for the evocative shapes of the rocks – the fairies’ bathtub, the armchair… or the fabulous treasure they are said to have hidden there.

Details

n°3238366
Creation:
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.58 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 37 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 37 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 247 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 200 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Le Gouray (22330)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 48.323513° / W 2.524991°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 0917SB, 1017SB
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Photos

Waymark
Mineral and plant life
The cradle of the fairy Margot

Description of the walk

(S/E) Next to the village of La Ville Doualan, a sign indicates “legendary site of Croquélien”. Follow the track for about a hundred metres. You can park at the side to start the walk along the path that heads straight ahead.

(1) After 150 m, take a path that veers off to the left. A sign explains the geological origin of the site. Continue along this path, which circles the small hill, whilst exploring the rock formations. Signs provide some information about the legends.
Before completing the loop, head down a path on the left. This track is used by mountain bikers. At the very bottom, take the farm track to the right.

(2) A very old cross likely marks an attempt to Christianise the site. Turn right to reach the village of La Ville Doualan. Many legends recounting the inhabitants’ misadventures with fairies were collected in this village in the 19th century by Paul Sébillot, a ‘folklorist’ writer who lived nearby at the Château de la Saudraie. In the hamlet, turn right to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 229 m - Car park next to the village of La Ville Doualan
  2. 1 : km 0.17 - alt. 245 m - Path on the left
  3. 2 : km 0.88 - alt. 202 m - Cross
  4. S/E : km 1.58 - alt. 229 m - Car park next to the village of La Ville Doualan

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
BALDI5
BALDI5

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An interesting walk, thanks in particular to the information boards explaining the legends

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jacksparrhow
jacksparrhow

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A nice little walk to do with the children if you know how to spark their imagination. That said, don’t expect to be alone on this walk, which is quite busy due to its proximity to the road. I think the signs on the site itself are a bit too conspicuous; they should be placed at the start of the walk instead, as they spoil the atmosphere of the site!

Rating for this walk: 6/10

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coco68@
coco68@

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

However short the walk may have been in terms of distance, it held some wonderful surprises in store for me, both in terms of flora and fauna.
Magic, legends – I let myself be carried away on this beautiful sunny Sunday.

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capali
capali

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Really great, Edith

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Font Neuve
Font Neuve

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very short walk, ideal for a lovely afternoon with people who don’t walk much. You can follow on with another walk in Bel Air, the highest point in the Côtes d’Armor, which is nearby.

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capali
capali

Hello, I haven’t had a chance to explore this route yet; I’m really looking forward to it, but for the time being, we’re not allowed to go
hikes given the current circumstances (coronavirus)...
Kind regards
Édith

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