The Circuit de La Croix de Pierre is 8.0 km long and starts in Epiniac; the parish church of Saint-Pierre combines early 20th-century architecture with a 17th-century altarpiece. There is also a wooded valley with ponds and sunken lanes, as well as a named historic complex in the Parc de la Higourdais. If you are looking for hotels in Epiniac, it helps to decide first whether you want to focus your stay more on hiking and landscapes or on church and local history.
Church Art in Epiniac
The parish church of Saint-Pierre was built between 1901 and 1904 to plans by architect Arthur Regnault, in the Breton style of 15th-century Cornouaille. Its stained-glass windows bear the signature of Charles Lorin and are dated 1901 and 1904. The choir also contains a 17th-century altarpiece. The construction period and the dates of the windows therefore belong to the early 20th century, while the altarpiece is considerably older. To understand the church’s history, it is worth distinguishing these different periods: the style refers to 15th-century Cornouaille, not to the year the building was constructed.
Saint-LĂ©onard: Village History and Events
The village of Saint-Léonard grew up around its church and the cemetery surrounding it. This relationship between the church, cemetery, and the village’s development gives the place a distinct historical character. Events at Saint-Léonard church include concerts by the local choir “Coeur de Vésins.” As the concert program may change, check specific dates in advance.
The Association DĂ©tente et Loisirs was founded to bring life to the center of Saint-LĂ©onard with a Sunday summer market. The concept includes local producers and creatives, as well as accompanying musicians. Before your trip, check whether and when a market is taking place before making it a firm part of your plans.
Parc de la Higourdais and the Walking Route
The Parc de la Higourdais near Epiniac lies in a wooded valley and extends across three municipalities. Two adjoining ponds shape the green landscape, which is crisscrossed by numerous sunken lanes. If you would rather focus on landscape features than on a single building during an outing, you will find several clear points of interest here. The park is accessible by car via the D85, which connects Epiniac and Cuguen. Check local road information before setting out.
The Circuit de La Croix de Pierre starts in Epiniac and leads through the countryside around Epiniac and the “des Landes” municipal forest to La Croix de Pierre. Along the 8.0 km route are numerous old granite crosses. The route’s length gives you a concrete basis for planning your day. Check the latest information about the route before setting out.
The built heritage of the Parc de la Higourdais includes a mill and a bakehouse. Both were once outbuildings of the Manoir de la Higourdais. Their former connection to the manor places these buildings within the historic use of the estate; they offer a different perspective on the park from its ponds, woods, and sunken lanes.
Local Production
Le Fournil de la Croix de Pierre makes organic sourdough bread from grain grown on the farm. The bread is baked in a wood-fired oven. The grain cultivation, sourdough, and baking method describe how the bread is made; alongside nature and cultural heritage, they also connect your stay with local food production.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Lunaire, La Chapelle-De-Brain, Longaulnay, La Guerche-de-Bretagne, Le Rheu, Saint-Rémy-Du-Plain, Le Châtellier, Sougéal
For the main travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
