Le Minihic-sur-Rance is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, in the Brittany region, 8 km south-east of Dinard.
Its territory of almost 4 km² borders the Rance on the left bank, and it is bordering to the south-east of the Côtes-d'Armor, at the level of the Houssaye stream.
The locality is always green, mainly covered with agricultural areas (46% of its area), as well as arable land and meadows (20%).
Consisting of fiefdoms for a long time, then as a simple dependency of the parish of Pleurtuit (to the west), Le Ménéhil had to wait until the beginning of the 19th century to have its own place of worship (until then, there was no as annex chapels of mansions). Under Louis-Philippe, the town and the nearby hamlets constituted an autonomous parish and finally, in 1849, the commune was officially created.
Long focused on agriculture, the locality specialized at the same time in shipbuilding. Ideally located on the edge of the Rance estuary, there were up to 42 artisanal shipyards there in the 19th century, which produced small wooden ships.
Nowadays, there are still a few left.
In addition to its heritage, Le Minihic-sur-Rance highlights its bocage environment and its coastline (mooring, beach, water sports and hiking). So many arguments to stop in the town which has nearly 1500 inhabitants during a stay in Dinard and its region.
In terms of heritage, the town has three sites protected as historical monuments.
The first is the Sainte-Anne chapel depending on the manor of Saint-Buc, at the southern limit of the territory. It was rebuilt in 1660, like the outbuildings, while the residence was rebuilt in 1755. Rectangular in shape, we notice that the chapel is surmounted by a square pinnacle whose roof forms a dome. And at the level of the facade, above the semicircular door, an oculus has been drilled.
Another registered site, the Manoir du Houx, at the exit of the village (to the south), built in 1625 for Vincent Gravé. It was enlarged at the beginning of the 18th century by the Desages family, who then had the Notre-Dame-de-la-Délivrance chapel built (1716), the orangery and then had a French garden laid out (1723). This one, made up of three terraces, was restored in the 1980s. Inside the house are mentioned the paving of the kitchen and numerous woodwork, and elements in pink marble in the stable and the garden. The property that evokes the malouinières is occasionally open to the public, especially during Heritage Days.
Finally, the last element protected as historical monuments is the Landriais dry dock, on the banks of the Rance. It was made of wood by a shipbuilder in 1908. 45 m long, it is supported by about twenty braced posts. Used until the Second World War, the slipway, which symbolizes an activity intimately linked to local history, was restored to its original form by volunteers at the start of the 21st century.
During a walk in the town, other points and heritage elements can be noticed: the manor of the Auffenais (16th century), the castle of Saint-Buc, the ruins of tide mills (they were activated by tidal energy due to the movement of water) or even the granite Calvary of Taliet (15th century), which represents Christ surrounded by the Virgin and Saint John.
The inter-municipal tourist office offers guided tours of the locality in season (town, hamlets, edge of the estuary): inquire on 08 21 235 500.
In terms of cultural leisure, entertainment and shows are regularly scheduled at the library or at the Philippe de Dieuleveult village hall: contact +33 2 99 88 56 15. the launching of small boats, one in Landriais-style stone, accessible by car, to the northeast and the other in wood, on the Garel shore, to the east.
This last site is also a pleasant beach, more dedicated to idleness than to swimming as such.
It is in the center of the eponymous cove of Garel, where 150 anchorage sites are available, 89 others being located to the north in the Landriais area. In season, yachtsmen appreciate the serene environment of the estuary before reaching the sea… You must contact the town hall on +33 2 99 88 56 15.
Also note that the "Voile École Buissonnière" club offers sailing courses which can last several days and leisure outings focusing in particular on photography at sea. Information on +33 6 28 33 94 64. As for the Fauméa club, it programs activities and sessions of stand up, paddle… and yoga: inquire on +33 6 24 68 08 26.
Hiking enthusiasts can discover the charms of the banks of the Rance and the wooded countryside of the town via two marked trails: the loop of La Landriais and that of Saint-Buc. It is also easy to follow the coast (via the so-called customs path) even if certain passages require, depending on the season, to "go up" a little inland. In this way, good walkers can reach La Richardais and Dinard to the north and Dinan to the south. Please note that the coastal path is prohibited for cyclists and horse riders. Maps and information on +33 2 99 88 56 15 or 08 21 235 500.
The third Sunday of May, Nature Day "By my tree" with conferences, exhibitions, fun activities.
At the end of June, music festival and traditional fire of Saint John.
The third Sunday in July, open-air market.
The third weekend of September, theatrical encounters.
The third Sunday of October, indoor market.
