Miniac-Morvan is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, in the Brittany region, 20 km south-east of Saint-Malo.
Its territory of 31 km² borders Côtes-d'Armor to the west and south-west. It is located a few hectometres from the right bank of the Rance.
Its environment has retained a rural aspect, with arable land and agricultural areas covering 63% of its area, not forgetting meadows (19%) and forests (10%).
If megalithic vestiges attest to a human presence well before our era, the old village was formed in the Middle Ages on the site of a communication crossroads already used in the Gallo-Roman era. A parish is mentioned from the twelfth century, depending on the archdeaconry of Dol and a feudal fortress is raised (the future castle of Miniac).
The activity was both agricultural and artisanal until the beginning of the 20th century (hemp cultivation, weaving workshops) but the men of the village were also recruited to train the crews of the fishing vessels of Saint-Malo which leave in winter for Newfoundland… This is obviously no longer the case these days. The town, which has experienced a demographic boom (it has 4,300 inhabitants), certainly remains rich in its agriculture. But its heritage and its offer of cultural and "nature" leisure activities, close to the Rance estuary, the beaches and of course major centers such as Dinan and Saint-Malo make it a stage of interest set back from the coastal agitation...
A discovery of the municipal heritage can begin with the oldest site, the covered alley of Four-lès-Feins, in the south-west of the territory (on the place called Beillac). These are megaliths lined up in an undergrowth for funerary purposes. These remains, protected as historical monuments, date from the Neolithic period.
Then head for the town and the parish church of Saint-Pierre: the current building dates from 1846 and has a western massif in the neoclassical style, while the nave and the choir were made in a neo-Gothic style. It retains an altar and a carved wooden altarpiece from the 17th century. Several churches preceded it, the original parish having its headquarters south of the current center, at a place called "old town".
Most of the chapels that dotted the territory have however disappeared, with the exception of that serving the manor of Gouillon, the chapel of Frêche (transformed into a cellar, but its architecture testifies to its primary vocation) and that of the 'Immaculate Conception (nineteenth). On the other hand, as is the tradition in the region, many crosses and calvaries have been preserved. In terms of civil heritage, the castle of Bas-Miniac (now more simply Miniac) was the cradle of feudal lords in the Middle Ages. The building was first a motte, then a fortress surrounded by moats was erected. Courtines connected several towers and a keep.
The site (with the exception of its chapel) did not resist the damage of the wars of the League (16th and 17th centuries) when the Breton nobles contested the legitimacy of King Henry IV. A malouinière was built in 1749 in place of the castle, that is to say a residence like the wealthy shipowners of Saint-Malo liked to own. Surrounded by formal gardens and a vast hilly park, the sober but elegant dwelling with an attic second floor and granite corner stones now hosts receptions and seminars. Information on +33 3 30 71 33 11.
Gouillon castle, to the northwest, was mentioned as early as the 15th century. It was owned by powerful families of the local nobility before becoming in turn a large malouinière in the 18th century.
In addition, during a walk, you will notice old mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries often become the centers of agricultural exploitations and mills testifying to the milling and textile activity of yesteryear.
On the cultural side, activities are regularly offered at the library (contact +33 2 99 58 05 12) and the socio-cultural space "L'Acousti'k" which can accommodate more than 200 spectators program throughout the year shows and association events (information on +33 2 99 58 51 77 or +33 6 07 66 50 80).
For sports enthusiasts, a number of facilities are available in the locality (football or multi-sport fields, tennis courts, etc.): inquire at the town hall on +33 2 99 58 51 77.
It remains to take advantage of the potential available on Miniac-Morvan in terms of hiking (hiking or mountain biking). It is on the one hand possible to join the local walking club (contact on +33 2 99 58 51 91) but also to follow marked trails punctuated with elements of small heritage and preserved natural spaces. Secure loops also connect the town to paths along the Rance estuary and its sensitive areas, to the west, or to the beaches, to the north. Maps and information on +33 2 99 56 66 99.
