Liven up your holidays!

La Gacilly

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Morbihan

La Gacilly - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Morbihan
7.6
3

La Gacilly is a town in Morbihan, Brittany, 65 km east of Vannes and 13 km north of Redon. The locality is bordering Ille-et-Vilaine: the "border" is marked by the course of the Aff.

Since January 1, 2017, La Gacilly which previously had 2260 inhabitants merged with the neighboring localities of La Chapelle-Gaceline (790 inhabitants) and Glénac (900 inhabitants) to form a new commune of nearly 4,000 inhabitants.

The marsh of Glénac commonly called "Mortier" is located at the confluence of the Oust and Aff and forms a marshy area where Francs and Bretons clash in 590.

First simple castellany (dependence formed by a parish and land) property of different lords Breton, La Gacilly passes in 1465 under the bosom of the duchy of Brittany, then in the eighteenth century the Marquisate of Bourdonnaye.

The town experienced a boom in the nineteenth century becoming a commercial and agricultural town between Rennes and Redon and until the Liberation, it is struck by the rural exodus.

Benefiting from an exceptional environment between the river, the forests and the cultivated lands, the locality is enjoying a remarkable revival beginning in the 1960s when it became the headquarters of the city's Yves Rocher (1930-2009), a company that created and develops a range and brand of nationally recognized cosmetics based on the virtues of plants.

Mayor from 1962 to 2008, the entrepreneur attracts many craftsmen, embellishes the heart of the city and showcases its old habitat. La Gacilly is also equipped with recreational facilities and famous cultural events.

The city has become a tourist stronghold.

Geographical information

MunicipalityLa Gacilly
Postcode56200
Tourism label
Latitude47.7651619 (N 47° 45’ 55”)
Longitude-2.1312000 (W 2° 7’ 52”)
AltitudeFrom 2m to 98m
Surface area37.97 km²
Population4079 inhabitants
Density107 inhabitants/km²
PrefectureVannes (65 km, 57 min)
Insee code56061
IntercommunalityCC de l'Oust à Brocéliande
DepartmentMorbihan
RegionBrittany

Nearest cities & towns

Cournon4.4 km (6 min)
Sixt-sur-Aff4.6 km (5 min)
Carentoir6 km (7 min)
Les Fougerêts7.4 km (8 min)
Bains-sur-Oust9.1 km (9 min)
Saint-Nicolas-du-Tertre9.8 km (13 min)
Saint-Martin-sur-Oust10.1 km (10 min)
Peillac10.8 km (12 min)
Bruc-sur-Aff12.9 km (13 min)
Ruffiac13.4 km (11 min)
Saint-Gravé13.9 km (15 min)
Comblessac14.4 km (16 min)
Redon14.9 km (16 min)
Tréal15 km (18 min)

Things to see and do

In terms of assets, if the castle of La Gacilly disappeared on the old town itself, besides numerous wells, fountains, ovens and cross, the old houses of the heart of the city to make it a museum-only open air.

We will not forget during a visit in form of discovery menhirs Roche Piquée that attest to a human presence since prehistoric times, and in another register the parish St. Nicolas church built in the mid-nineteenth century in a stunning Greek Revival style. We appreciate his stones and material essentially formed of schist and granite.

On the former territory of La Chapelle-Gaceline, to see include the Church of St. Peter dating from 1852, two remarkable cross (the City January seventeenth century, and the Gracien, eighteenth), the castle Boschet (rebuilt in 1905) and its chapel of the seventeenth century.

On Glénac, a detour is necessary to admire the castle Forest Neuve (fifteenth century, rebuilt in the nineteenth century) and that of Sourdéac, or the Church of St. Michael (XVIII). Old fishermen's houses with openings of various sizes, irregularly raised and surmounted by lintels, align their facades in the town.

For guided tours of the various heritage elements, joining the association "La Gacilly Heritage" +33 2 99 08 15 87 or the Tourist Office on 02 99 75. August 21 circuits including craftsmen (about thirty are permanently installed) and the picturesque alleyways are also available.

In terms of natural heritage, a visit is the real museum that is the botanical garden founded by Yves Rocher, where 1,500 plant species are presented and preserved. Entertainment throughout the summer season. Information at +33 2 99 08 37 36.

On La Gacilly and its vicinity, many hiking trails, circuits for bikes or ATVs have been built and marked. Maps, brochures and information +33 2 99 08 21 75.

You can roam the river Aff aboard electric boats (without a permit). Information and reservation at +33 6 68 17 66 71.

For leisure again, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the rivers, the Nantes-Brest canal or many ponds. The list of developed sites and regulations to know +33 2 97 44 54 55. At Glénac to enjoy the water of the mortar level, join the fishermen's association +33 2 99 08 52 45.

For the pleasures of swimming as idleness, go to the swimming pool in summer (open daily in July and August). Information on 02 99 13 August 01. For a tennis match, contact the local club on 02 99 70 04. 89

Numerous craftsmen present all year in the city are all opportunities to discover expertise and quality works. You can visit the exhibition of the Gateway: several art exhibitions throughout the year. Information at +33 2 99 08 21 75.

Since September 30, 2017, the Maison Yves Rocher dedicated to the man who has literally transformed the city, offers a tour of several rooms for visitors to live in "a multi-sensory experience" tracing the history and philosophy of this passionate about the world of plants. Information at +33 2 99 08 37 36.

Discover the Grand Natural Site of the Lower Valley Oust: Bordered by the Oust and Aff, Glénac is a village well known to fishermen. Mortar site, located at the confluence of two rivers is a vast expanse of marshes full of fish. This is also in reference to the eel and its color that Glénacois owe their nickname: "the jaones sales" (yellow bellies)! Canoeing allows an approach to wildlife: herons... water ramp for boats, pontoons. Mortar is part of the site of Ile aux Pies, which forms the flagship of the Grand Natural Site of the Lower Valley Oust. The mortar is hosting a water spot, a fitness trail and a walking from hiking and mountain biking. Website athletic level 4C, 6A to 7A + +.

See also, in the cemetery of Glénac, the tomb of the daughter of Surcouf Breton privateer. A coat of arms depicting a lion erect and a crowned shield adorns the monument. In the middle of the cemetery, the Saint Leo housing the statue of the patron saint of the parish. Near the fountain Saint Leo whose water had curative powers.

Castle Sourdéac (private, but visible from the road) dates from the first half of the sixteenth century. The castle of origin, there remains the beautiful stair turret and some old windows. Paul Féval, the author of the "White Lady", would have stayed in this castle and would have found his inspiration.

The rock of Roussimel, also called "Devil Rock", offering a magnificent view of La Gacilly and Aff Valley.

Places of interest

Information points
Monuments

Events and festivities

From early June to late September, the Photo Festival La Gacilly offers over 30 exhibitions throughout the city (at the discretion of the gardens, alleys, house walls, public spaces...). This is the largest outdoor event of its kind in France. Information at +33 2 99 08 68 00.

The third Saturday of July, feast of marsh Glénac (fun events and concerts).

The last Sunday of November, soup party. Meals and tastings in a friendly atmosphere.

Finally, at the Saturday morning market, gourmets can better understand and appreciate the rich local soil.

Detailed information

La Gacilly Photo Festival
The biggest outdoor photo festival in FranceFrom 21 june to 3 november 2024

Photos

Maison Yves Rocher
Maison Yves Rocher
See photo
Rue de La Gacilly - Photo Festival
Rue de La Gacilly - Photo Festival
See photo
Botanical Garden Yves Rocher
Botanical Garden Yves Rocher
See photo
Rue
Rue
See photo
Mortier de Glénac
Mortier de Glénac
See photo
Photo exhibition
Photo exhibition
See photo
Mortier de Glénac
Mortier de Glénac
See photo

Weather

Friday 29 march
Min. 8°C - Max. 12°C
Day
Night
Saturday 30 march
Min. 6°C - Max. 13°C
Day
Night
Sunday 31 march
Min. 5°C - Max. 13°C
Day
Night

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Site of Ile aux Pies.

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
La Ferme du Monde animal park
Nature and the great outdoors6 € to 9 € Carentoir (5 km)
Cruise in the Gulf of Morbihan and islands
Nature and the great outdoors25 € Vannes (49 km)

Outings

Last nameOuting typeDifficultyDurationDeparture municipality
Walking: Hill Circuit - La Gacilly
HikeEasy3:35La Gacilly
Walking: Dolmen Tour
HikeEasy4:10Cournon (2.9 km)
Mountain bike: Circuit des Marais - Glénac - n ° 3
Mountain bike itineraryIntermediate1:15La Gacilly
Carentoir Bike Tour
All-terrain bike itineraryAthletic2:20Carentoir (6.1 km)
Oyon Valley loop
HikeIntermediate4:45Guer (15 km)

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
By continuing to browse our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies to improve your experience and make targeted offers.
Find out more and make settings
Your account