The oldest parts of the church of Saint-Jean date from the Romanesque period, while hiking options range from a route with clearly stated distance and duration to multi-day donkey treks. This gives Saint-Maden two different ways to explore: architectural history can be traced through churches, manor houses and technical features; outdoor activities can be planned according to timeframe and tour format.
Church of Saint-Jean and Manor Houses
The oldest parts of the church of Saint-Jean largely retain their original structure: a single-nave nave and a smaller choir with a flat end. The church was altered in the mid-15th century. In the 18th century, the northern chapel was raised and the southern chapel was built. This makes it possible to distinguish earlier features and later alterations within a single building. Those who enjoy viewing architecture in terms of its development will find several building phases in one place.
On the banks of the Rance stands Manoir de La Motte, a residence dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, built entirely from shell limestone. Its dormer windows have curvilinear gables; the Renaissance-inspired decoration includes caryatids and triglyphs. The large Manoir de La Bigotais also dates from the 17th century; its decorative repertoire draws on Renaissance models. The two buildings invite comparison through different details: at La Motte, the material and named ornaments; at La Bigotais, the scale and the inspiration for its decoration.
Further Traces of Local History
At La Houssaye, the ruins of a 13th-century keep and several buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries survive today. At Moulin des Rosays, another chapter in the history of technical architecture comes to the fore: the millrace features impressive granite masonry made of large blocks; the location of the former wheel axle is still visible.
The course of an old road at La Réhaudais, known as the Chemin des Romains, bears witness to the presence of a settlement and a route dating from Gallo-Roman times. The Mémorial des Champs Pillais commemorates the struggle for liberation that took place in Saint-Maden on 1 and 2 August 1944. It is located at a crossroads near the hamlet of La Sècherie.
Hikes by Duration and Format
La Grande Virée is 12.85 kilometres long; its average duration is three to three and a half hours. For planning your day, the average duration gives a direct indication of the time required, while the distance indicates the length of the route. Another route, Les virées madennaises, starts at the Site de la Gravelle and follows the banks of the old Rance. Along the way, you can see beautiful houses built from Pierre de jauge, characteristic of the Pays des Faluns.
The Site de la Gravelle includes a pond and a natural recreation area. It also has a covered shelter with sanitary facilities.
Fleur de Jour offers self-guided donkey treks lasting from two hours to a full day along the marked trails in the municipality of Saint-Maden. Guided donkey treks are organised or provided on request. For tours lasting several hours or days along the Rance, Fleur de Jour develops donkey treks with guests towards Dinan, Dinard or Rennes. The durations therefore range from two hours to several days; the formats also differ according to whether the tour is guided or developed together.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Samson-Sur-Rance, Morieux, Minihy-Tréguier, Calanhel, Saint-Brandan, Pouldouran, Saint-Adrien, Plourhan.
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
