In Bourseul, the range of sights extends from the Romanesque porch of the Église de St Nicodème to two surviving vertical water wheels at the mills of Pont Loyer. There is also architectural history, religious artwork and a walking trail through rural landscapes. This offers cultural history and outdoor activity as distinct options when planning a trip.
Architectural history and religious art
The Château de Beaubois was largely rebuilt from 1861 onwards and was listed as a historic monument by decree of 27 February 1926. The dates mark different milestones: 1861 the start of the extensive rebuilding, and 1926 the decree listing it.
At the Église de St Nicodème, the porch is classified as a Romanesque historic monument. The church also has a 16th-century cross. One side depicts the Virgin and Child; the other shows Christ, surrounded by the Virgin and Saint John. The two sides create a clear narrative contrast.
The Chapelle Saint-Roch in the hamlet of Saint-MĂ©en is a small 18th-century building, probably rebuilt on the site of a much older structure. Its floor plan takes the form of a Latin cross, with a single-nave church, a simple transept and a polygonal chancel. Its furnishings include a stone statue of the Virgin and Child from the 14th century, which is classified as a monument and was probably made locally. A small altarpiece with twisted columns, dated to the 17th century, is also listed as a monument. The chapel thus brings together architectural features and furnishings from different centuries.
Mills and their history
The mills of Pont Loyer were built on a diversion of the Arguenon and were used to grind grain. They are now disused, but two vertical water wheels remain. For the mills of La Goupillière, a specific production figure stands out: in 1848, they produced 2,540,800 kg of wheat flour and 200,000 kg of buckwheat flour. The comparison offers two different insights into the history of the mills: at Pont Loyer, their location, former function and surviving wheels are defining features; for La Goupillière, precise quantities for two types of flour are available for a single year.
Walking and outdoor activities
The Circuit de la Boitardais is a 13.3-kilometre, moderately difficult walking trail. It passes through rural landscapes dotted with hamlets. Bourseul also provides a downloadable map of its walking trails to help you choose a route.
The pump track in Bourseul offers a different kind of activity. A municipal notice from July 2025 describes it as suitable for people of all sporting and technical ability levels; according to the notice, the asphalt track can also be used in wet weather. Check the condition of the track before visiting.
At Étang de Radieu, the owner allows visitors onto the private grounds, provided they respect the site and its tranquillity. As this visiting policy may change, check locally in advance whether a visit is permitted.
Discover more destinations: Le Gouray, Guingamp, Brusvily, Saint-Launeuc, Le Foeil, Gomené, Tréguidel, Gausson.
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
