Chavagne offers a range of ways to explore: wildlife watching, trails for different time budgets, historic buildings and Breton products. If you are considering whether the town suits your travel interests, you can choose between outdoor activities, architectural history and local food.
Wildlife watching and comparing trails
The Bois de la Sillandais is an ecologically significant natural area covering around 20 hectares, where you can observe animals and plants. Numerous water features lie in the forest and along its edges, including ponds, pools and flooded ditches. An ecological field survey conducted in 2010 described these water features as highly favorable for amphibian reproduction. The “Sentier pédagogique” leads into the Bois de la Sillandais and introduces visitors to its many living creatures, as well as their different forms and ways of life.
For a longer or shorter hike, the “Circuit Entre Sillandais et Fontenelles” offers two marked route options: the loop is 11.4 kilometers long, and its alternative is 7.8 kilometers. The planned walking times are 3 hours 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, respectively. The alternative therefore shortens both the distance and the planned walking time. The loop starts at the St-Éxupéry parking lot and is accessible to all visitor groups. Check the route details and parking regulations before setting off.
The CRAPA around the Étang de la Sillandais can be reached via the parking lot there. The route is 1,800 meters long and has 12 activity stations. It is suitable for running and leisurely walks; the stations are designed for physical exercise. If you plan to use these facilities, check their condition on site. Another trail option is the “Balade à Roulettes® – Le Bois de la Sillandais”: it follows a firm, wide, well-marked and equipped path with only a slight incline. The route also includes a playground for younger children; facilities may change.
You can also explore Chavagne by bike: marked routes in the Vallée de la Vilaine cycling network pass through the town. The network extends over more than 125 kilometers of roads and trails. As routes may change, check them before your ride.
Architectural history across several periods
The original residential building of the Manoir de la Touche dates from the late 15th century. Its timber structure was dated dendrochronologically to the autumn and winter of 1495–1496; the ceiling dates from 1522. These are two distinct dates within the manor’s architectural history.
The Église paroissiale Saint-Martin was built between 1864 and 1869 in the Gothic Revival style. The upper part of its bell tower dates from 1874. The Chapelle Saint-Nicolas is a Romanesque-style cemetery chapel from the second half of the 19th century. It was built in memory of Chavagne’s former parish church. The grounds of the Château de la Sillandais also contain a chapel and a dovecote with a lantern; the entire complex is surrounded by moats. These buildings reflect different historical periods and offer several ways to explore Chavagne’s architectural heritage.
Breton baked goods and farm produce
La Fabrique sells artisan Breton baked goods in its shop, including Galettes bretonnes, Palets bretons, Financiers and Brioches. The selection may change; check what is currently available before your visit.
Radis Rouge sells farm produce at the Les Petits Chapelais farm in Chavagne, including sourdough bread, meat, seasonal vegetables, dairy products, flour and milk, as well as other local foods. Products and availability may change. When planning your trip, you can give different weight to your interests in nature, architectural history and regional produce.
Discover more destinations: Eancé, La Chapelle-De-Brain, Le Vivier-Sur-Mer, Montreuil-Le-Gast, Lécousse, Saint-Père, Dinard, Champeaux.
For the broader travel guide: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
