discovery trails
ST MELAINE at BRAIN-SUR-VILAINE
The baptism of Clovis in 496 was a key event in the history of France and Saint Melaine, who was born here, took part in it !
The Sentier de Saint Melaine starts from the municipal vineyard beside the river Vilaine. It recalls the baptism of Clovis, the first king of what would become France, and recounts the delicious history of food and drink.
LA CHAPELLE STE AGATHE at LANGON
This 2000 year old Gallo-Roman chapel, built of red sandstone and black shale, is an absolute gem.
ALLAIRE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
This hilly trail presents mountain bikers with a challenge! posts with quizz and sketches introduce information and questionning on nature, geology.... The only trail of its kind !
AROUND THE CIRQUE DES LISES at ST JEAN-LA-POTERIE
Activities and works of art all on the theme of pottery around the Cirque des Lises which takes its name from the clay or ‘lise’ found there. It is also the site of fetes and other events. Round off your trip with a visit to the Patiau, a ceramic art and craft centre.
LA SOURCE PROFONDE ET LES GRANDS ROCHERS DE QUIP at ALLAIRE.
The discovery trail through this listed geological heritage site tells the story of the massive, rounded granite blocks which look rather like wallowing hippopotamuses and the amazing spring whose lukewarm water comes from deep underground…
DISCOVERY BOOKLET ABOUT THE MILLS AT ST-JACUT-LES-PINS.
Windmills on the Butte des 5 moulins with a discovery tail across moorland and through pinewoods ; the watermill beside the Etang de la Vallée lake, restored by the local council and run by the Eau Grée des Moulins association ; another windmill beautifully restored, with a roof that turns around !
There’s definitely something in the wind at St Jacut-les-Pins!
THE REMAINS OF RIEUX CASTLE (LES VESTIGES DU CHATEAU DE RIEUX)
A hillock overlooking the river Vilaine is a perfect place for a fortress ! The Seigneurs de Rieux, close neighbours of the Dukes of Brittany, thought so and built this castle whose ruins are the site of a discovery trail and impressive scenery.
THE BELVEDERES AT RIEUX–FÉGRÉAC
Two belvederes, one on each side of the river Vilaine, have been enhanced by the artist Polisky. One is on the castle walls and the other faces it on a hillock on the opposite bank.
HISTORICAL (or HYSTERICAL!) CRAZY GOLF AT PONT D’OUST, PEILLAC.
Be a knight, an eel or a sailor ! 18 fun and informative holes make this unique crazy golf a must for all the family !
LA VILAINE TOURIST ROUTE AT BÉGANNE
This trail route runs past a succession of beauty spots : the port of Foleux, the chapel at Les Alliers, Belvédère de Champ-Guy… So choose a spot, park your car and take a short walk to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
THE TOWPATH TOWARDS NANTES
On the towpath between Redon and Nantes a series of illustrated boards by the locks at Les Bellions, Plaines de Guenrouet, Port St Clair and Pont Miny are packed with all sorts of informative hints which will probably make you want to ‘do’ the whole canal !
LA TOUR DUGUESCLIN AT GRAND FOUGERAY
An impressive fortress which, it is said, Duguesclin and his soldiers managed to enter by pretending to be wood-cutters !
Nowadays, peace-loving wood-cutters work around the castle to maintain the magnificent arboretum which is a country park.
GUÉMENÉ-PENFAO AND THE VALLEY OF CARABOSSE THE FAIRY
Here, the Valley of the Don forms an attractive, mysterious gorge inhabited by many a holy figure. The Don takes its name from the Celtic goddess Dana. The valley also has a shrine to the Virgin Mary and rocky outcrops are named after the fairies, Joyance and Carabosse… An information booklet is available to highlight this delightful, colourful walk.
THE ROMAN WAY
The old Roman way which is paved in places crosses the river Don at Conquereuil. An information booklet is available about this walk.
LE CIRCUIT DES MAISONS ET VILLAGES (HOUSES AND VILLAGES BOOKLET)
Our villages are packed with stone-built cottages and houses, often with fascinating features that are well worth taking a look at. This booklet, which was specially written for ‘non-specialists’, features 10 selected villages and highlights what to look out for when visiting these ‘little gems’ .
Booklets and brochures
HOUSES AND VILLAGES Discovery booklet on rural buildings
This booklet "Maisons et Villages" provides a taster to arouse the visitor’s interest in cottages, dormer windows and longhouses, ancient granite or shale bread ovens, sandstone or quartz stone blocks...
Free in english
Along the Roman way with Joyance the Fairy (Carnet de route de la Fée Joyance)
A discovery trail along the Roman Way in Guémené Penfao. Follow Joyance the Fairy with the aid of this enchanting booklet which contains historical notes, drawings, anecdotes and poems.
Free in french
A historical tour of Redon ("A la découverte de Redon")
Definitely a booklet for history enthusiasts! It tells the chronological history of the town of Redon and gives detailed information about each of the 25 stops on the tour.
Free in english
Young Explorers Guide (Livret Jeunes découvreurs)
A booklet packed with games and anecdotes to help children, parents and grandparents to discover the Pays de Redon in a fun, educational way.
Free in French
This is just an overview of all the discovery trails and accompanying booklets/leaflets, singing and story walks, guided tours, crazy golf, discovery games and mountain bike trails available in the Pays de Redon. Watch this space for more detailed information!
