Three walking routes of different lengths and approximate durations give you a practical framework for planning. There is also a pump track, an outdoor fitness trail, and heritage sites that tell the story of L'hermitage's religious and industrial history. This lets you divide your time between exercise and local history without having to fit everything into a single outing.
Walking Routes and Activities
The Le Val walking route heads towards Saint-Gilles, covers 2.5 kilometres, and takes about 40 minutes. At 7.5 kilometres and approximately two hours, Moulin de la Lande offers a considerably longer outing. Between the two is the Boucle Sud: it runs from Boberil towards Bois de la Motte, covers five kilometres, and takes about one hour and 15 minutes. Comparing the route lengths and approximate durations can help you decide how much time to allow for a walk. Check the local signs before setting out.
The pump track at the end of Rue Jean Bart is designed for mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and scooters, and is open to riders of all experience levels. Check the conditions of use on site. The HAC VTT organises mountain biking outings. Check before your trip to find out which routes are currently planned.
Another way to get active is the CRAPA, an outdoor fitness trail with a variety of physical exercises along the route. Check the current details of use before your visit.
Churches, Crosses, and Former Businesses
The Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification illustrates the development of religious architecture from the Romanesque period through the Neo-Gothic to Neoclassical styles. Its history dates back to the 11th century, when it was dedicated to Saint Avit. The story of Saint Avit has been passed down as a legend. The commune is also home to ten old crosses, scattered throughout the area; one of them, near the church, is listed as a historic monument. The church also bears the coats of arms of the du Boberil, du Margat, and de MĂ©jusseaume families.
On the back of the Calvaire du bourg is a depiction of the crowned Virgin and Child: she is standing and carries the child on her left hip. The Saint-Avit spring, or fountain, is also part of the legend and history of the place. Today, only a pipe marks the spring near the multicultural centre.
The Manoir du Boberil was built by the du Boberil family at the end of the 14th century. Polygonal moats and a small earthen rampart are evidence of an older defensive system; restoration work is ongoing. The former manor house of the Commanderie is notable for its half-timbered construction.
Former businesses also shape the area's history. The Laiterie de L'Hermitage building has a slate roof and a square tower; its architecture is inspired by the English picturesque style. The creamery, established in 1968, produced 9,000 hand-ladled Camemberts each day. Painted advertising inscriptions bearing the name “Cidrerie Tillon” remain on the façades of the former Cidrerie Tillon. The former Distillerie de L'Hermitage produced cider, apple and pear brandy, and dry marc.
Getting Here and Finding Accommodation
L'Hermitage–Mordelles station is a regional railway station. TER Bretagne trains run there on the Rennes–La Brohinière–Saint-Brieuc route. Check current services for your travel date.
When looking for a holiday rental in L'hermitage, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: the walking routes of varying lengths, the activities, or the architectural and industrial history. Then compare the location and stated conditions of each option, and check its current availability.
Discover more destinations: Pleugueneuc, Baguer-Morvan, Clayes, Saint-Pierre-De-Plesguen, Combourtillé, Pancé, La Fontenelle, Longaulnay.
View the main travel guide: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
