Pléven offers several distinct reasons to stay: hiking around Lac d’Arguenon, a walk by Étang de la Nauvinais, and cultural history ranging from the motte to Saint-Pierre Church. If you are looking for a hotel in Pléven, you can focus your trip on the outdoors or on historic sites. The routes and attractions offer different ways to do so.
At Lac d’Arguenon: lake, forest and hiking trails
Lac d’Arguenon is a 200-hectare artificial lake surrounded by forest. Its diverse flora includes wood anemones, violets and wild hyacinths; its fauna includes cormorants, grey herons and black-headed gulls. Zander, large perch, whitefish and carp are also found in the lake. The presence of these fish species and their sizes may vary seasonally.
A marked 19-kilometre circular hiking route around Lac d’Arguenon starts in Pléven. The “Lac et forêt” hike begins in the village centre and leads to the lake and the forest of Château de la Hunaudaye. It offers views of the lake and passes historic sites. The “Tour du lac de l’Arguenon” also starts in the village centre; it follows paths along both shores, between Pléven on the left bank and Plorec-sur-Arguenon on the right bank. You can choose according to distance, route and theme: the circular hike is listed as 19 kilometres, while the two routes from the village centre differ in their connection to the forest and their paths along both shores.
A walk by Étang de la Nauvinais
Étang de la Nauvinais is in the commune of Pléven, between the forest and Château de la Hunaudaye. The body of water was once a sand quarry and was converted into a protected natural area for leisure activities and fishing. There is a purpose-built circular path along the shore and jetties for walkers. The area therefore combines a waterside walk with a natural setting whose former use as a sand quarry is part of its history. Fishing is also one of the leisure activities permitted in the protected area.
Architecture and local history in Pléven
The Bourgs Heussais are regarded as the largest early medieval motte dating from the 11th century. Saint-Pierre Church is another chapter in the area’s architectural history: it was built in 1880–1881 to the plans of the architect Le Coz. A chalice and a paten in the church were listed as protected cultural heritage on 15 April 1966. Pléven’s local history is thus represented by an early medieval motte, a 19th-century building and protected sacred objects, each reflecting a different aspect of the area’s past.
Lookout point at the Barrage de l’Arguenon
A lookout point near the Barrage de l’Arguenon is located in the commune of Pléven and offers views of the structure. Information panels explain its history, construction and operation. The dam itself is not open to visitors for safety reasons.
The Manoir de Vaumadeuc
The Manoir de Vaumadeuc is also part of the area’s history. In 1960, it was restored and opened to the public as a luxury hotel. The family associated with Vaumadeuc continues to restore and maintain this heritage site so that visitors can discover it. If you would like to visit the manor, check current access arrangements before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Trédrez-Locquémeau, Plougonver, Larmor-Pleubian, Pléneuf-Val-André, Plouguenast, Plessix-Balisson, Saint-Laurent, Plouezec.
For the broader travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.
