Epiniac is a commune in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine, in Brittany, 6 km south-east of Dol-de-Bretagne.
Its 23 km² territory has remained verdant and rural, two-thirds covered with crops, meadows and forests.
Parish dependent on the bishopric of Dol from the Middle Ages, the locality will be during a good part of the Old regime divided into three areas: that of the abbey of Vieuville in the north, that of Ormes in the west where the bishops of Dol have their summer residence and that of the Higourdais manor to the east.
After the Revolution, the lands were unified and in 1803 Epiniac absorbed the commune of Saint-Léonard to the west. Thus, nowadays, the town includes in addition to the main town, the old village of Saint-Léonard and a number of hamlets.
The historical heritage and natural resources (protected area of the Higourdais) of Epiniac (1400 inhabitants), such as the vast hotel and leisure complex of the Domaine des Ormes and of course the proximity of the coast (about ten kilometers only) are legitimate assets appreciated by holidaymakers.
A discovery of the heritage of the town can begin in the village with the Saint-Pierre church, completely rebuilt from 1891 to 1904 by the architect Arthur Regnault. The building houses works of great quality: a 15th century bas-relief representing the Dormition of the Virgin (that is to say, her peaceful death evoking falling asleep), a 17th century wood, stone and marble altarpiece century and finally stained glass windows dated 1904 signed by the master glassmaker Charles Lorin of Chartres.
Then let's mention the church of Saint-Léonard, rebuilt in the 18th century, and the remains of the Cistercian abbey of Notre-Dame de Vieuville. Founded in 1137, it did not "survive" the Revolution. The abbey church was destroyed at this time, then the other parts of the monastery which had however been restored in the 17th century were gradually dismantled. However, one can still observe an old vaulted room (the refectory) from the 12th century which was once converted into a dwelling, the bases of a wing which housed a cellar and to the west another wing which became a dwelling. There is no longer any trace of the cloister or of the tombs with recumbent figures… The site is nevertheless listed in the Inventory.
Granite crosses, fountains and washhouses still mark out the territory of the locality.
On the culture side, events and exhibitions are offered regularly at the library: contact +33 2 99 80 11 36.
Then place sports and "nature" leisure activities, starting with the Domaine des Ormes, which now contributes greatly to the fame of the small town. It is a private complex that extends over some 200 hectares around a now restored 16th century castle. It includes a top-of-the-range hotel, cottages and unusual accommodation (tree huts), spaces dedicated to business seminars but also important sports facilities (equestrian center, swimming pool, etc.) and a network of hiking trails. The public can visit the premises during "open days" in mid-May. All information on +33 2 99 73 53 00.
Within the domain but accessible to the outside public, an 18-hole golf course covers 60 hectares. Designed by the architect Antoine d'Ormesson, 5915 m long, this "par 72" is dotted with wooded areas and water obstacles and overlooks the castle. An environment that delights players, whether seasoned or beginners. A training center is also available, including a 10-station driving range and a compact 5-hole course. Visitor rate: from 45 euros. Information on +33 2 99 73 54 44.
The other major site in Épiniac is the Parc de la Higourdais, a preserved natural area which still includes elements of the built heritage (mill and bakehouse formerly dependent on the seigneurial manor today disappeared) and granite rocks that gave rise to legends such as the rock of the Chouans which would have served as a den after the Revolution... Acquired by the Department, the old stronghold includes green paths and ponds. Crossed by streams, slightly hilly, the whole is rich in preserved fauna and flora (ferns, wild hyacinths, rare aquatic plants, batrachians, migratory birds, etc.). Several marked trails have been traced in the Park which allow you to take advantage of this exceptional space.
For hikers again, the 40 hectares of communal forest are not lacking in attractions, as are the banks of the rivers. Loops of greater magnitude finally make it possible to rally the coast... Maps and information on +33 2 99 56 66 99. Fans of two-wheelers will have the possibility of joining the outings of the local cycle tourism club: contact on +33 2 99 80 18 03.
The first weekend of July, garden festival on the La Bigotière site with a visit to an educational garden, exhibitions, stands on composting and biodiversity...
In summer, every Sunday morning, craft market and of local products in the old village of Saint-Léonard.
