In Plesder, architectural history, memories of agriculture and opportunities for outdoor activities come together. The Église Saint-Martin-de-Tours and the history of the Comices give the village two distinct cultural and historical focal points; the local Aire d’activité adds opportunities for play and sport. Its setting is also distinctive: Plesder is located on a plateau above Saint-Domineuc and Trévérien, overlooking the Linon Valley and the Ille-et-Rance Canal. Whichever of these aspects interests you most can give your stay its own focus.
The Église Saint-Martin-de-Tours and its architectural history
The parish of Saint-Martin-de-Tours dates back to the 13th century, and its church was rebuilt in the 15th century. Its transept and choir were also rebuilt between 1845 and 1848. These dates mark different periods: the parish’s history goes back further than the rebuilds mentioned, and the 19th-century work concerned specific parts of the church. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, with a single nave. Anyone interested in architectural history will find both a clear architectural description and several distinct stages separated in time.
Comices, historic estates and the place name
Plesder is considered the birthplace of the agricultural Comices. A specific point of reference is 25 August 1815: on that day, the first agricultural Comice in Brittany and France was held in Plesder. Unlike the church’s building phases, spread across several centuries, this was a single, precisely dated event in the village’s history.
People are also associated with the historic estates. The Manoir Le Pré Morel was, for a time, the residence of Henry Frotier de la Messelière, a historian and art enthusiast; the estate is privately owned. The Château de la Chesnaye is also privately owned. Its architectural design allows it to be dated to around the mid-18th century. Some of its features are comparable to those of certain Malouinières in the Saint-Malo region. Félicité Robert de Lamennais, a Christian philosopher and precursor of Christian democracy, and his older brother Jean-Marie lived at the estate. Jean-Marie founded the Congregation of the Frères de l’Instruction Chrétienne de Ploërmel.
The name Plesder also offers a further historical interpretation: the Breton root “plé” refers to a community of the faithful. A dedication to the Breton saint Eder or Edern is considered a possible explanation. Alongside the buildings that have been passed down through the ages, the place name and religious history offer different ways to explore Plesder’s past.
Plateau, Aire d’activité and routes
Plesder’s Aire d’activité includes a picnic area, a playground and boules courts. There is also a multisport court for several sports, including football, basketball and tennis. The facilities offer opportunities to take a break, play and enjoy a range of sports. If you would like to plan your stay around them, you can make these activities a focus alongside the cultural and historical attractions.
There are two routes for excursions, each described differently. The Vélo-Promenade® “Circuit des châteaux” heads towards Plesder; the Manoir de la Buharaye is a few metres off the route. The “Circuit des Vieilles Pierres” loop trail no. 19 offers a viewpoint of the Château de la Motte Beaumanoir at the exit from Plesder. The routes therefore have different points of interest: the Manoir is part of the Vélo-Promenade, while the viewpoint of the Château is the feature described for the loop trail. Trail and road conditions can change; check them before setting out. For loop trail no. 19, also check the route and viewpoint on site.
Discover more destinations: Pléchâtel, Piré-sur-Seiche, Chartres-De-Bretagne, La Chapelle-Des-Fougeretz, Le Tronchet, Saint-Onen-La-Chapelle, Étrelles, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert.
For the broader travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
