Melrand is a charming town that covers 40 km². Its 1530 inhabitants are distributed in a town center and 114 villages / localities. Melrand is part of the green valley of Blavet, surrounded by the river of the same name, rivers such as the Sarre - river first class - or Scorff, for salmon or trout fishing, water sports (kayak), walks on a boat. Part of Melrand is classified "Natura 2000" zone.
With a rich natural and architectural heritage, lovers of beautiful stones will be spoiled for choice between the wells, the bread ovens of the eighteenth century, the old buildings, the houses of character, the mills, the seven chapels three of which are classified to the buildings of France, and the church of the seventeenth century.
Every year from July to September, Notre-Dame du Guelhouit chapel is part of the great regional event Art in the Chapels which consists of exhibiting a unique contemporary artistic creation by a renowned artist. This operation attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year in the 24 chapels that crisscross the surrounding mountains and valleys with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Two official marked walks allow to discover the inheritance of the commune: one of 10 km and the other of 5 km which allows to reach the Village of the Year One Mil, an experimental archaeological site to discover lifestyles in the high Middle Ages rural Breton. A unique site in France to understand the habitat, the cultures, the breeding, the daily reconstituted on the bases of archaeological foundations discovered in 1902 dating from the year 980. In return, not to be missed, the tour of the plan d water, with its games for children, green spaces and picnic, its fishing circuit with access to people with reduced mobility.
Between modernity and tradition, discover Melrand is also attend pardons, Breton music concerts of all kinds, or discover the Celtic circle Bugalé Melrand which perpetuates the local tradition through his costumes, his dances presented at the Interceltic Festival of Lorient, the festival of music, many towns and cities in France, even internationally.
Earth bikes, come to Melrand, it is also participate in the first big cycling race of the year which is held at the end of February: the Melrandaise, or even attend the grand prize of Plouay, 15 minutes, every year end of August.
The town of Melrand hosts several ancient and prehistoric remains like the Motténic, Saint-Fiacre and Kob-Castel tumuli. Caves, such as those of Kervihan and Ruzo-Lanyo, are unfortunately no longer visible. Not far away you will also find a bronze age vault and an ancient Roman road linking Vannes to Carhaix.
A medieval village dating from the year 1000 and considered as the old town of Melrand was searched near the current town.
The religious heritage of Melrand is important, unveiling several churches and other chapels. Do not miss St. Peter's Church and its 18th-century granite bell tower, the flamboyant 16th-century Locmaria chapel and its beautiful stained-glass windows, the chapel of Saint-Fiacre and its 16th century riad, the chapel Notre -Dame du Guelhouit and its scala of the seventeenth century, the chapel of Saint-Laurent reduced to its eastern gable, the chapel of St. Rivalain eighteenth century chapel Saint-Prisce fifteenth century, or the chapel of St. Madeleine.
The town abounds with 18th and 19th century martyrdoms, like those of Kerdrain, Kervihan, Kerguelen, Kergroix or Saint-Fiacre. The Mauricette cross, installed in the late nineteenth century, pays tribute to Mauricette Jaffrezo, a young woman who lost her life for defending her virginity in the early eighteenth century.
Fountains and mills are also visible throughout the municipality, as well as on the banks of the Saar. You will be able to admire the fountain of Locmaria of the end of XVIe century, that of Saint-Prisce of the middle of the XVIIe century, or that of Saint-Laurent. The mills of Boterff, Cabossen, Madeleine, Poul or Maneguen still stand proudly.
Let yourself be seduced during your stay by the bird fountain whose water would allow, according to legend, to cure the rage, the Merian bridge and its granite slabs, the village of Kurun, or the well of Kerhoh. Listed historical monument, the latter has a bell-shaped dome above the coping, as well as carvings of cherubs and a monstrance.
The Melrandaise, a cycling race, takes place every year in February.
In April, Nevez Flamm is the opportunity to attend performances of the Celtic circle.
At the beginning of June, the town hosts the fishing festival at the Kerstraquel lake.
On July 13, for the National Day, the city offers fireworks and a popular dance.
At the beginning of August, Melrand Animations proposes a pedestrian race, a cycling race, a water party and a dancing meal.
In the month of November, place at the trail Tro Bro Melrant in the village of the year 1000.
A Christmas market is organized during the month of December.
