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Saint-Hélen walks
Coëtquen Castle and its forest
The highlight of this walk is exploring the remains of the feudal motte and Coëtquen Castle, built in the 15th century (private property). The route takes in small roads and beautiful forest paths.
The name Coëtquen can be translated as ‘white forest’. The Coëtquens were lords who became part of a branch of the Dinan family.
The Prat and Livet paths in La Vicomté-sur-Rance
Throughout this route, there are no fewer than five viewpoints from which you can admire this small coastal river, famous for its mouth between Saint-Malo and Dinard thanks to the tidal power plant dam. After following it first through fresh water and then salt water, you will end your route by taking sunken paths that will lead you to a monument dating back five thousand years.
Route de Tertre Guy in Mesnil-Roc'h and Saint-Pierre-de-Plesguen
Saint-Pierre-de-Plesguen borders the Mesnil forest to the south-east. The route is very wooded and lined with a few picturesque hamlets where you can see some old stone houses weathered by time, in varying states of repair.
A magnificent bread oven can be seen just off the route at a place called La Planche, at the first house on the right.
From the Mordreuc tide mill to the Prat tide mill
From the Mordreuc tide mill, follow the shaded cliffs along the banks of the Rance, which will take you to the Prat tide mill. You will pass an old lime kiln and see the village of La Moinerie in Plouër-sur-Rance through the trees. On the mudflats, you will see common shelducks.
At the end of the Moulin du Prat pond, you will see Quincourbe Castle and its dovecote. You will pass by the ferruginous fountain.
Mordreuc - La Vicomté-sur-Rance circular loop
A beautiful circular walk along the banks of the Rance, from the slipway at Mordreuc to La Vicomté-sur-Rance, passing by the charming Moulin du Prat, and returning through the countryside to explore the banks of the Rance.
The banks of the Rance at Mordreuc
This route has two circular sections, allowing it to be completed in two stages. Both sections highlight the banks of the Rance and allow you to discover the hinterland, the former lands of the gabarriers and Cap-Horniers.
Circular route between Tressé and Mesnil-Roch through the two forests.
This route will take you through wooded and hedgerow landscapes. Mostly in the undergrowth, it will take you through the Mesnil State Forest (600 ha), formerly owned by the privateer Surcouf, as well as a very small part of the Coëtquen Forest (557 ha). Due to land consolidation policies, many hedgerows have disappeared over the last 50 years. However, hedges and embankments play an important role in the diversity of fauna and flora. They shelter livestock from the wind, limit water runoff and slow down the wind. Birds, insects and small mammals find shelter and food in these areas. Hedgerows are also a source of renewable energy and carbon sinks. For the past twenty years or so, local authorities have been encouraging the restoration of hedgerows and copses.
Tressaint on the banks of the Rance
First, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dinan viaduct with two passages under the arches, then stroll along the canalised Rance to reach the village of Tressaint and its woods. This route offers peace and serenity, even though it is very close to a popular tourist destination.
The banks of the Rance from Ville Ger to Mordreuc
This hike will allow you to discover the flora and fauna of the Rance estuary.
The Rance is a wintering ground for migratory birds.
Mordreuc's mascot, seal L 214, will let you take photos with him if the water level allows him to lounge on the slipway. Otherwise, look in the water to see if a whiskered snout is peeking out.
In Mordreuc, if you continue 100 metres along the shore, you will discover the old lime kiln.
Les Hauts de Miniac-Morvan
This route, in the hills above Miniac-Morvan, will take you to the Mesnil National Forest, passing through the hamlet of Vieux-Bourg and the old Rennes-Saint-Malo tram line.This route takes you along numerous paths on land and in the undergrowth. Very pleasant in fine weather, but sometimes very wet otherwise.
Circular route starting from Miniac-Morvan via Gué Briand and Saint-Gré.
This route, in the hills above Miniac-Morvan, will take you to the "little" Mesnil State Forest via the village of Vieux-Bourg and the old Rennes-Saint-Malo tramway line.From Saint-Gré, on a clear day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Cancale coast.This route takes you along numerous paths on land and in the undergrowth. Very pleasant in good weather, but sometimes very wet otherwise.
The Rance and the historic heart of Dinan
Wind your way along the banks of the Rance, stopping off at the Abbaye Sainte-Magloire-de-Léhon to visit the fortified heights and historic heart of Dinan.
Estuary Left bank of the Rance - Loop starting from Dinan
Loop around Dinan between Rance and Pays du Poudouvre via the Écluse du Châtelier to La Moinerie in the commune of Plouër-sur-Rance.
Jardin d'Amour and the covered walkway at La Roche aux Fées in the Mesnil Forest
This route takes you through wooded and hedgerow landscapes. Running exclusively through the undergrowth, it takes you through the Mesnil State Forest (600 ha), formerly owned by the privateer Surcouf. The paths are well-maintained but numerous, particularly in the southern section; follow the route carefully, ideally using a smartphone, as it is easy to take a wrong turn. The covered walkway, known as ‘La Roche aux Fées’, should not be confused with another walkway of the same name, which is more monumental and located in Janzé.
The Green Belt of Dinan and the Rance Valley
A town of art and history, Dinan is a place of great beauty. Its historic centre takes us back to the Middle Ages and from the top of its ramparts, visitors can look out over the Rance valley and the road viaduct which, with its 10 arches and 50-metre height, spans the Rance.
To this, we must add a stroll through the magnificent town centre of Léhon and finally a romantic walk along the Rance.
From Lehon Abbey to Saint-Pern
A long hike for experienced walkers, from Lehon (Côtes-d'Armor), starting at the old Saint-Magloire Abbey (founded in the 9th century) to Saint-Pern (Ille-et-Vilaine), the mother house of the Little Sisters of the Poor. A page of history and religious life waiting to be discovered.
Route du patrimoine et de la nature de Dinan
The route takes you through the old town of Dinan and past several points of interest, then down into the Rance valley. It passes through Léhon, a picturesque little village, and ends along the Rance and the port of Dinan. For the tour of the walls, see the map on the Dinan Agglo website (see practical information). The journey time does not include breaks and stops for visits or sightseeing!
Loop between Rance and Terre, from Pont Saint-Jean to Pointe du Puits
Walk in the Pays Malouin between the sea and the Rance around one of the most beautiful villages in France. To be done at low tide, check before you go.
Langrolay-sur-Rance route starting from the Souhaitier Chapel
This hike follows the Rance river and the valleys around Langrolay-sur-Rance. It starts at the foot of the Souhaitier Chapel and follows a north-south route offering beautiful views of the Rance and the opposite bank, Saint-Suliac and Mont Gareau. The route is also dotted with some very pretty stone houses. The route follows a branch of the GR®34 to GR®37 trail.
Tour of the Evran Locks
A very beautiful hike starting and ending in Evran (22), discovering the landscapes of romantic Brittany with its valleys, winding canal and locks.
Mont Gareau massif
Mont Gareau, tomb of Gargantua. A historic site steeped in legends and mysteries. The highest point in the region, offering a magnificent 360° panorama from its height of 73 metres! It overlooks Saint-Suliac, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, and in good weather you can see Mont-Saint-Michel, Granville and the Normandy coast.
Around Mont Garrot
In the midst of this tide-changing natural environment, Mont Garrot, a true promontory above the river Rance maritime estuary, offers a panoramic view of Saint-Suliac to the north and Anse de Vigneux to the south, where the foundations of an ancient Viking camp emerge at low tide.