In Messac, buildings from several centuries tell the story of different historical periods. The history of the port of Messac-Guipry adds a glimpse into the area’s former trade. The wooded Corbinières Valley and routes for a range of activities round out the picture in the Guipry-Messac area. The choice of themes thus ranges from architectural history to walking, cycling and horseback riding, with routes of different lengths and for different uses.
Architectural history across several periods
The Château de la Pommerais in Messac dates from the first half of the 17th century. Its grounds include a chapel, a dovecote, a courtyard and an agricultural building. These features provide a fuller picture of the estate than a view of the château alone. The Moulin de la Perrais marks a different period: this mill in Messac dates from the 18th century. The two buildings can thus be seen as distinct milestones in the area’s history.
The Église de Messac also brings together several building phases. Dedicated to Saints Abdon and Sennen, it was built in the 12th century. The south porch dates from the 16th century. The stone tower was added in 1866; the connection between the tower and the nave was completed in 1903. These dates therefore refer to different parts of the church and their structural connection, not to a single building phase.
The Temple de la Coëfferie is considered the oldest building in Messac and is one of the surviving medieval buildings of the Knights Templar. Another historic building is the authentically preserved 19th-century residence that houses the Maison du Tourisme. The municipality of Messac acquired it in 1980. Together with the château, mill and church, it spans the history of the area from its medieval heritage to more recent times.
Harbor history and the river
The port of Messac-Guipry was historically shaped by trade. Goods traded there included salt, Loire stone, metals, wine, timber and textiles. Today, the Port de Messac-Guipry marina serves as a starting point for river cruises on the Breton canals. The port and cruises thus connect its historic role in trade with its use for tourism. If you are planning a river cruise, check current operations before you travel; services and conditions may change.
Woodland and trails
In the Guipry-Messac area, the wooded Corbinières Valley lies within an 800-hectare forest massif. The valley forms a 70-meter-deep gorge carved by a river over millions of years. A 2.5-kilometer walking loop runs through the valley and is open to the public year-round. Question-and-answer information panels there cover the landscapes, wildlife, plant life and history of the valley. This short loop therefore offers a different focus from the longer routes, combining physical activity with insights into the surrounding area.
For a longer walk, the Voie verte in the Guipry-Messac area is a separate option: it offers 50 kilometers of trail and is reserved exclusively for walkers. The towpath along the Vilaine is a different route, running from north to south through the Guipry-Messac area and suitable for walking, cycling and horseback riding. A 35-kilometer mountain-biking route runs from the town center to the Corbinières massif. The distances and activity information can help you choose: a short walking loop, a longer walk, a towpath for several types of use or a mountain-biking route.
The Voie verte also has a rail connection for getting around: Guipry-Messac is the only town in the area along the route with a railway station that is still in operation. As train services and trail conditions may change, it is advisable to check the current timetable and the condition of the routes before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Gilles, Pleine-Fougères, Bourg-des-Comptes, Bédée, Lassy, Lillemer, Saint-Germain-En-Coglès, Iffendic.
For the main travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
