Jardin d'Amour and the covered walkway at La Roche aux Fées in the Mesnil Forest

Car park coordinates: 48.48316, -1.865373

(S/E) From the car park, cross the D9 and follow the educational route marked with Blue Diamond signs. Follow the path for approximately 350 m, keeping to the left.

(1) At the end of the Blue Diamond and Yellow Diamond markings, at the junction, take the path on the left. Cross the farm track and continue straight ahead. Walk alongside a pond and climb a gentle slope leading to the covered walkway.

(2) Turn right, heading north, following the path which veers north-east and joins a farm track after about 1 km.

(3) Take the path opposite, which is somewhat winding and crosses several other paths. Follow the markings, keeping straight ahead. Cross a farm track and, shortly afterwards, turn right to reach a car park at a place called “Le Pertuis aux Chevreuils”.

(4) Cross the D9 and follow the signposted path to the left. At the first junction, take the path on the right, then the one on the left at the next junction, heading south-east for about 160 m.

(5) Take the path on the left, which is also quite winding and joins the D73. Keep right at the junction.

(6) This is where the yellow markings end. Take the path opposite and head right to move away from the D73. The path continues straight on and joins a new farm track.

(7) Turn right and continue straight on to reach a small clearing at a place known as “Le Jardin d’Amour”,

(8) Continue straight on; at the first junction, take the path on the right to reach the starting point (S/E).

Both car parks on the D9 have a picnic area: we recommend the one at Le Pertuis, as it is larger and in better condition.

Please note: hunting season is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from late September to late February in the Mesnil Forest. See the ONF website,
Mardis and Thursdays are days on which mushroom picking is prohibited all year round in all state-owned forests in the Ille-et-Vilaine department.

Cross the roads with care.

The covered walkway at La Roche aux Fées (listed as a Historic Monument).
Covered passageways were communal tombs that could be used for several centuries. These burial sites allowed communication with the dead. This one was excavated and restored in the 1930s by R. Mond. Relief carvings, engraved breasts, a skeleton and several pottery items were discovered. Observe the carvings of breasts and necklaces on the remains of the chamber. They symbolise the cult of the Mother Goddess and are the origin of the belief in the House of the Fairies.

The discovery route.
Provides information on the tree species found in the forest. It forms a short circular path.

Nearby: Notre-Dame du Tronchet Abbey.
The church is open to the public but unfortunately not always accessible; it is very well maintained. The original^12th-century abbey was destroyed and rebuilt in^{the 17th} century. It has a magnificent cloister in which a holly tree over 300 years old grows!