Saint-Ouen-la-Rouërie walks

Magnificent sunken lanes, a picturesque river to follow and a glimpse of two magnificent estates: the Château de la Rouërie and the Château des Blosses – this is a charming route through ‘the land of the Marquis’.

Situated at the confluence of the Loysance (or Loisance) and the Couesnon, Antrain takes its name from the two Latin words “Inter Amnès”, meaning “amidst the rivers”. Here, water, earth and stone come together in perfect harmony to offer you a most pleasant walk. The Loysance is already eager to sweep you up in its swirling whims…

As we follow the banks of the Loysance, we enjoy the tranquillity of the Voie Verte, punctuated by a few inclines that allow us to explore the surrounding countryside, having previously walked through the Tremblay countryside along shaded paths.

The Greenway, the stream flowing from the Pré des Douétaux, the Loisance, the Douétel and, finally, an old railway station situated near a disused sawmill – this walk will allow walkers to appreciate the beauty of the Gallo countryside.

A walk along the country lanes of La Fontenelle, which presents no significant difficulty. There is a beautiful view over the Couesnon valley and the charming village of La Roche. The architecture of some of its houses is remarkable, with decorative arched windows and double-roll-top doors...

The first little gem on this route is the Chapelle de la Potelais, tucked away in the heart of the countryside. Immediately afterwards, and for almost two kilometres, you are invited to follow the meandering course of the Tronçon through woods and fields.

There is no elevation gain on this walk in the Briçois region. Walkers will notice, in several places, that the fields are separated by a double row of trees, between which the path runs.

This circuit symbolically unites two regions by linking the Moulin de Champ Pinel (Brittany) to the Moulin de Roche Garé (Normandy), as this is where the Tronçon river marks the departmental and therefore regional boundary. You will pass through a variety of landscapes as you walk along a beautiful section of the Bois de Gâtines forest and alongside the Château du Rocher Portail, not forgetting to take the opportunity to discover the village of La-Selle-en-Coglès (the monastery of the North).

A short, easy walk around the Sougeal Marshes. Designated both a Regional Nature Reserve and a ‘Remarkable Site of Brittany’, with over 175 hectares restored, the area safeguards the bay’s ecosystem. You can spot over 360 plant species, amongst the reed beds and hedgerows. As for wildlife, there are numerous migratory birds. Depending on the season, you’ll find over 60 species of waterbirds, including grey herons and white storks.

The route runs along the edge of the marsh and its vast 175-hectare wet meadows. These are classified as an “Espace Remarquable de Bretagne” (Regional Nature Reserve). The marsh is home to waterfowl all year round, but you may also come across cows and horses grazing freely there. In winter, access to the marsh is often cut off by floodwaters. The suggested route allows you to go round the marsh. However, two observation points overlooking the marsh remain accessible. The route also offers a more idyllic stretch through the woods and countryside around Sougeal. All in all, a peaceful walk to be enjoyed all year round.

It comprises 175 hectares of extensive wet meadows and encompasses three main activities (see practical information). This route invites you to explore this environment, starting at the fish pass and then following the course of the Couesnon as closely as possible.In this regional nature reserve, only birdsong can be heard.

This circuit allows you to discover the architectural side of the Coglais region. It offers breathtaking views of the manor houses and châteaux and their estates. It should be remembered that in the Middle Ages, the Seigneury of Saint-Brice was of exceptional importance in the barony of Fougères. Later, in 1794, it was here that the first Chouannerie began, as did the second in 1815.

The Villecartier State Forest is now known for its leisure centre and miniature harbour. A former royal forest covering 1,000 hectares, it has been home to craftsmen since ancient times: the Auge des Sabotiers archaeological site bears witness to this. During the Roman period and then in the Middle Ages, its activities continued to evolve against a backdrop of religious influence. This walk, which takes place entirely in the forest, invites you to discover all these places steeped in history.

Lulled by the calm waters of the Ritort and the Moulinet, Chauvigné invites you to discover its hidden treasures and offers you a glimpse into its history.

In the 1920s, Chauvigné had granite quarries next to the village of Le Fretay on the "Rochers des Renaisières" site. The quarrying operation, which remained small-scale, focused mainly on the creation of funerary monuments. Walkers will enjoy a stroll right in the heart of granite country: amongst meadows where the rock outcrops and traditional buildings.

Une rabine désignait autrefois un chemin large et bordé d'arbres. Le circuit en emprunte à plusieurs reprises. Il suit également un petit ruisseau et permet d'apercevoir plusieurs châteaux car il emprunte des sentiers communs à une autre randonnée décrite sur le site au départ de Saint-Brice-en-Coglès.

A small village in the Pays de Rennes; from the heights of Romazy, you can see part of the Couesnon valley. Visitors are struck by the relaxed way of life here and appreciate its unspoilt surroundings.

You have now arrived in one of the most beautiful settings in the Coglais district: first of all, you’ll discover the Ruisseau de la Piquellerais, then the Ruisseau du Vocadieu, as you cross the magnificent Minette Valley. This small river, 25 km long, is a tributary of the Couesnon, fed by a multitude of streams: the Piquellerais and the Vocadieu, but also the Frénouse, the Aunay, the Couard, and so on.

The Chemin des Bogues winds through a landscape where working with granite has become second nature and part of the local culture. Granite has left an indelible mark on the landscape. Houses and manor houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries are a common sight in a region where the rock even features in the names of villages: Rocher-Guy, Rocher Gerré, Rocher Renard, Rochedien, … You may even come across rock carvings on the sides of certain quarries, former haunts of the Picaous (granite workers).

A picturesque walk in the Coglais region, presenting no difficulty. Peace and tranquillity are its main attractions.