Le Calvaire – Bodio – town centre

(S/E) This walk starts from the Coët Rozic car park, situated opposite the social housing blocks on Rue Coët Rozic, near No. 1 Route de Crossac, to avoid parking in a blue zone.

Walk down the street and turn left onto Route de Crossac. Continue to the next roundabout and turn right. Then take the first street on the left, Rue des Granges. Carry on straight ahead and turn right after leaving Pontchâteau, onto Rue Le Petit Haut Bodio. Follow this road up to the RD33 and turn left (pedestrians should stay on the left-hand side for a moment). After 100 metres, take the path that runs parallel to the road, on the right-hand verge. Continue along this track, which is open to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, skirting the fields and then the racecourse.

(1) Take the Allée de l’Hippodrome on the right and, at the end, turn left. You will then arrive at the Calvaire.

(2) Cross over and carry on straight ahead to the left towards the Fuseau de la Madeleine. Continue downhill, passing the ‘Le Calvaire’ exit sign

(3) At the bend, turn left onto the small street “Route des Fontenys”, which quickly turns into a stony track. On your right, in a field, you can see a menhir known as the “Fuseau de la Madeleine”. At the end of the track, turn left. Head back uphill and turn right, towards Terreneuve. Follow this long straight stretch under the trees and carry on past the bend. You’ll pass the Bodio convalescent centre.

(4) At the bottom, turn left. Don’t forget to admire the tall, majestic trees, which are certainly several hundred years old. Carry on to the Stop sign, cross the road and continue straight ahead. Cross the Jossais and turn left onto Route de la Lande when you reach the cul-de-sac. Watch out for pedestrians! The lack of visibility on the bend can be dangerous. Be on your guard!

(5) At the entrance to Pontchâteau, turn right onto Rue de la Gacognais and carry on until you reach another cul-de-sac. Then turn left onto Rue de l’Écrin. At the Stop sign, turn right, and at the next roundabout, turn right again. Take the path on the right which will lead you towards the marshes.

.(6) If the area is flooded, follow the ‘in case of flooding’ alternative route described below. Otherwise, carry on to the end and turn left to go under the railway line. Continue to the Lavoirs car park, cross it and take the footbridge over the river. Go under the railway line again.

(7) You’ll arrive at Place Dominique David (the town hall square). You can stop here for a bite to eat or a drink.
To return to your starting point, stand with your back to the town hall and take the small street in front of you, Rue Sainte-Catherine. Walk up this street, cross the road, and go under the archway next to the restaurant ‘Le 11’. Continue up this path, passing behind the old flour mill, which has been converted into flats.

(8) At the top, turn right and continue along the path, which is awaiting development by property developers. It will lead you onto a small road which you’ll follow for about 100 metres. Take the first right and go straight on along the narrow path between the houses (not shown on the map). You’ve now completed a circular route (S/E).

No special equipment required. Bicycles are welcome. Suitable for wheelchair users.
Suitable for horse riding. Please note: at the Lavoirs car park, riders must use the underpass beneath the railway line (at the traffic lights) to reach the town hall square, as the footbridges over the river are not suitable for their size (weight).

(6)Alternative route in the event of flooding: Turn round and continue straight ahead, down the cul-de-sac to the roundabout. You’ll come within sight of the viaduct. Take the street on the left that leads down towards the station, or rather the path reserved for you (pedestrians and cyclists) running alongside and to the left of this street as it descends alongside the railway line. Continue straight ahead. Pass the old flour mill, which has been converted into flats, then ride past the post office. Carry on, passing between “Cavavin” and the community cinema “La Bobine”. Directly ahead of you stands a large white mast, perched on a footbridge. You’ll arrive at the (7) shown above to complete the route.

With a bit of luck, you might be able to watch the horses being trained at the racecourse, or even attend races – which may include PMU races.

At the Calvaire de Pontchâteau, you can take a tour. The site covers several hectares. It is very well known. It is said to be “the Lourdes of Brittany”.

A little further down, you can see the menhir known as ‘le Fuseau de la Madeleine’.

You’ll round off the walk with a visit to Pontchâteau town centre, which has recently been completely redeveloped (though not yet finished) following the removal of the level crossing in the town centre and the (re)discovery of the river ‘Le Brivet’.