Montfort-sur-Meu

Montfort, city of character...

Montfort is an old medieval city that deserves a stop there for a moment. We advise you to park close to the Tourist Office and come for a map.

To discover the city in an original way, opt for the guided canoe tour. The favorite moment is when we arrive under the bridge and we wonder if it happens or not... but of course it passes, and it's worth it because we arrive at the level of the laundry Colombier (also nice for a picnic break), just behind you can see the old dryer which has also served as public baths. Its rounded shape comes from an old tower of the fortified city! Another effort and two paddles after we find ourselves in front of the Moulin des Plates at the confluence of Meu and Garun. To be this privileged tourist book well your places, you will find all the dates on the agenda of the Office of Tourism. And for those who prefer to have their feet on the ground, do not panic all this is to see also from the road.

It was Raoul Ier de Gael who built his first wooden dungeon here in 1091, and he is clever because in the south his castle was protected by the Meu, in the east by the Garun and in the North by the pond. Except that a century later, Richard Lionheart besieged it and settled there, but not for very long because the same year it was burned by Alain de Dinan. But the place being strategic, his successors rebuild the dungeon but this time in stone! Then one day, Raoul VIII decided to rebuild it and add a wall and 10 towers. Today Montfort has kept traces of its medieval past and its fortified city. Well, it's not Carcassonne but some remains like the Papegaut tower have remained almost intact and offer a pleasant ride downtown, through the suburbs of Saint-Nicolas, Coulon and Saint-Jean!

But Montfort also keeps track of a religious history. Following his route you will pass in front of the Saint-Jean chapel, the church of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion, the former Ursuline convent (now the town hall), but also the birthplace of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion rue de la Saulnerie, one of the oldest with its half-timbered houses.

A little outside the city, make a small detour to admire the cloister and the Gothic portal of the Abbey of Saint-Jacques de Montfort.

The valley of the House Loup, Iffendic: Envy of scenery? Come and walk in this sensitive natural area of ​​Upper Brittany Department Ille-et-Vilaine to the tunes of "small canyon" or Canadian forest! Get on your bike or put on your hiking shoes, take the height and enjoy the beautiful view of a landscape of wooded moors that surround the stream at the foot of the cliffs. But where do these cliffs of 35 m? They were dug by a collapse due to faults appeared in the shale folds and erosion caused by the river. Continue your walk by taking the hiking route No. 118 and go on the west bank of the pond, discreetly advance the wolf is not far away (almost)! Open the eye, the silhouette of a wolf face raised to the sky was part of a rock, sit down for a moment and tell your kids the legend of Celtic wolf.

Lake Trémelin, Iffendic: In the heart of a landscape of heathland and forest, 30 minutes west of Rennes, in Brittany, Lake Trémelin Iffendic is a protected natural site that offers everyone the opportunity to escape for a day or more. For a romantic getaway, with family or friends, this green oasis combines relaxation, leisure and discovery. In summer, the bathing area will delight landlubbers, it bubbled with confidence there because swimming is supervised in July and August in a water of excellent quality and up to 20 ° C. The more experienced can have fun jumping from the pontoon, refreshment guaranteed! A trip by canoe or pedal boat on the lake is an opportunity to share intense moments with family or friends. But you will not be alone in this lake of 43 hectares, perch, catfish, pike and of course the king of fish, carp, anglers attempt to settle the day and night! From branch to branch, adventurers will be full of thrills and adrenaline by taking various courses in the trees and even the little ones can taste it! And you who prefer to stay away from the bustle, enjoy a great escape on horseback in the heart of the forest.

The historic site of Boutavent in Iffendic: To get here, you have to take the road that connects Plélan-le-Grand in Iffendic. From the parking lot along the road you will see neither keep nor turret. From there, you will survey a path that will lead you to the remains... By cons you'll see, it remains timeless place full of mysteries and the ruins of a castle updates. Archaeological surveys of archaeological research center in the country of Rennes well prove you walk in the footsteps of Montfort lords! Enjoy the view of the forest Brocéliande as a standby lord on its territory. This archaeological site is a repository of landscapes admire the forest, heath and farmland. And if you are attentive, you will definitely make beautiful meetings: owls, buzzards, kestrels, green lizard... live here.

The domain Careil, Iffendic: Rubber boots, binoculars, camera, a little patience, granny in her chair ready to go... check list ok? Steering the field Careil Iffendic for birdwatching. Once out to discover the birds, do not be surprised, with the aim of binoculars you will come surely face to face with a horse or a sheep! And yes, this site is virtually maintains itself through an eco-pastoral management since 1993 threatened species such as the mule horse Poitou, Brittany cow pie and black Highland cattle (cosmopolitan site), horse Breton trait, sheep Landes de Bretagne and goats ditches. Until the first observation post, the path was laid to finish around the pond must be out of your backpack on your best pair of boots.

The School House Country Gallo, St. Gonlay: Install to the wooden desk, get out your books of record, the class will begin. In the heart of the Pays Gallo, the village of Saint-Gonlay home to an old school built as in years 50. The school house is home to a reconstructed classroom and three exhibition spaces in the former home of the teacher: buissonniers the toys, the evolution of pedagogy since 1900, women's 30 glorious.

The Joubin Motte and the medieval garden, Bédée: In the Middle Ages, with the development of feudalism, the lords must have a defensive system to protect against all attacks. The best way, proved to be the construction of a wooden castle (a tower surrounded by a fence) built on a mound of earth called motte. Some lumps were already existing heights, but most like that of Bédée was artificial. The soil removed to dig the moat was used, with the addition of other materials, to the mound on which the castle is built. The medieval garden: monastery, castle or peasant, medieval garden is an enclosed space and utility where they grow plants that provide food and medicine necessary for life. In the alleys, you will discover the vegetables, fruits and plants that constituted the bulk of abbeys gardens, priories and sometimes stately homes. Between these areas, a rose garden and embellished separates all. Elements of local heritage like the old cemetery gate and the former priory of the hanger door have their place in this garden.

The aside, contemporary art venue in Iffendic: The aside is a place of residence and establishment. Each year, five confirmed and emerging artists are hosted on site and take advantage of this immersion in Montfort countries to develop an original project, conceived in connection with the specifics of the place. A vernissage and an exhibition shall close this time of experimentation.