Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier is a town in Ille-et-Vilaine, in the Brittany region, 25 km north-east of Rennes, and 50 south of Mont-Saint-Michel.
The territory belongs to the country of Fougères and historically to the Marche region of Brittany, which marked the boundary between the Duchy of Brittany and the Kingdom of France.
Thus the region was land of conflict and in the thirteenth century, a castle was built by Duke Pierre Mauclerc. Regularly besieged from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century, despite the construction of a new enclosure, a terrible battle in 1488 when more than 7,000 men were killed on the outskirts of the city and led to the control of the kingdom of France on Brittany. In retaliation, the castle was partially destroyed.
However, its strategic geographical location allowed the city to maintain a certain prosperity, especially in commercial terms.
With more than 3,800 inhabitants, Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier remains a small active town, with preserved historical and natural heritage. A stage of interest for who stays in the region.
The remains of the castle, to the north of the town, constitute the historic jewel of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, even if it remains only a kind of keep disemboweled on the ten towers and the thick walls of 5 m which formed the whole built in 1225.
Classified, the site can be the starting point of a walk in the form of discovery of the city... We will enchained by the park of the castle, which has been classified in a sensitive natural space. In addition to a remarkable cormier, a rare tree that gave its name to the city, plant and animal species flourished in this environment of romantic look: trees near the old chapel (chestnut, oak, pine...), linden trees, laurels and a centenary beech in the park itself, yew and thuja at the wash house or bat colonies that have taken possession of the old dungeon and birds north of the pond that adjoins the site.
In terms of buildings, the church dedicated to Saint-Malo, completed in the early twentieth century, deserves a glance. It has replaced the ducal chapel, of which only the bell tower remains.
The church Saint-Malo built in granite and sandstone is a neo-Romanesque style very popular at this time. Its plan in the shape of a Latin cross, its roof with long sides, the median steeple or the rounded chevet are quite characteristic. The organ of the nineteenth century, inside, has been classified.
The manor La Mottais, built in the seventeenth century, rebuilt in the nineteenth, with a well and an oven, is not lacking in elegance, and is also worth seeing.
Once you have crossed the city and its picturesque center, you can take an interest in the rich environment of the town, starting with the pond that adjoins the castle, a remarkable natural and landscaped area located in the city center. Place of walk and passage, located near several cultural facilities, it is also popular with fishermen...
We will then head to the Haute-Sève forest, covering an area of 843 hectares, west of the city, consisting of hardwoods in the heart and surrounded by a belt of softwoods. You can enjoy protected fauna and flora (some areas are classified Natura 2000). In addition, along the trails, five menhirs dating from the Neolithic and a real mineral fountain will delight the most curious walkers.
In the east of the territory, it is the wood of Rumignon, on a ridge separating the basins of the courses of the Couesnon and the Vilaine which constitutes the other "green lung" of the city. It also joins the park of the castle and is also classified sensitive area.
Many hiking trails and mountain bike trails have been designed that include historic sites as the most remarkable points of the city's environment. Documentation and information on +33 2 99 94 60 30.
Note also that the GR37 linking Vitré to Douarnenez, at the tip of Finistère, runs along the town.
For sports, bowling and tennis courts are available to visitors (contact +33 2 99 39 10 42), and a golf swing course at the gardens of Bel Air (free).
As for fishing enthusiasts, they are advised to contact the +33 2 99 22 81 80 to know the developed sites and the regulations to respect.
The city is also culturally rich.
Quality shows are regularly scheduled at the Bel Air space, inaugurated in 2004. For more information call +33 2 99 39 27 33. As for the library, it has a dedicated digital space and programs reading workshops and exhibitions. Information on +33 2 99 45 17 48.
Finally, the cinema Le Mauclerc which has two rooms is managed by an association. Entry: 4.90 euros. Programming at +33 2 99 39 24 34.
The first Saturday in May, sporting festival on the site of the pond.
The first Saturday of September, forum of associations, with many activities in the program.
The second Sunday of November, antique toy show at the Bel Air space.
Legacy of the commercial tradition of the city, the Christmas fair is held in mid-December and brings together more than 80 merchants in the city center.
Finally, every Thursday, in the market halls, the market is a great opportunity to discover the riches of the Breton terroir.
