Quinard Mill and the Quelmer Boat Graveyard

From the centre of Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, take Rue du Moulin de Quinard (signposted) to the banks of the Rance maritime (small car park).

(S/E) The imposing structure of the mill stands out; whilst the buildings remain intact, the hydraulic system feeding the tidal basin, the dyke and the reservoir have disappeared beneath the silt.

Turn right onto the path running alongside the shore and, at Pointe du Grouin, take the steps leading up to the plateau. The path follows the contour line across the plateau, before descending to Plage du Vallon with its boat launch ramp. You must then follow the coastal road, eventually returning to the foreshore.

(1) You must take the steps on the right as it is no longer possible to follow the beach, even at low tide. Make your way to Pointe de la Roche du Port.

(2) Continue along the well-marked path which overlooks the Rance from a considerable height; caution is advised, especially if the ground is slippery.

(3) At Saint-Elier, the path descends to the foreshore. Depending on the tide, continue along the foreshore or take the stone pavement at the foot of the riverside property’s wall. In the event of flooding, a sign indicates the route to take inland.

(4) Leave the foreshore and take the path behind the hut, on the left. It runs above the shoreline and leads to Anse de Quelmer.

(5) In Anse de Quelmer, on the foreshore of a former shipyard, lie several dozen old boat hulls of all types, their frames exposed to the elements. It is the only boat graveyard in Brittany.

The return journey follows the same route back to the tide mill (S/E).

As the paths are lined with tall grass (nettles) and brambles, it is advisable to wear trousers, which also provide good protection against ticks.

The Moulin Quinard, which is on private land, was built in 1806 as a wheat mill, fitted with two water wheels. Over the years, it underwent several alterations, including those in 1898 which saw the installation of a steam engine and its conversion into an industrial flour mill. At that time, it utilised both tidal and thermal power. It ceased operations in 1925.

From the boat graveyard at Quelmer, head towards Rue de la Passagère to see the Maison du Passeur. Until 1959, it provided a crossing over the Rance between Quelmer and Jouvente on the right bank.