Malestroit can be explored through a range of themes: protected architectural heritage, markets in the historic centre, and places connected with the canal and water. The Nantes-Brest Canal runs through the town; historic buildings, Le Pass’temps and seasonal kayak rentals each offer a different focus. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to set aside more time for architecture and history, local produce or an activity on the water.
The canal, the Oust and the town’s protected history
The Nantes-Brest Canal, which runs through Malestroit, forms part of a 390-kilometre waymarked cycling route between Châteaulin and Nantes. The canal can therefore be considered both a local feature and part of a longer cycling connection.
The protected area, listed on 26 February 1971, covers the entire former town within the walls, ĂŽle Notre-Dame, the left bank of the Oust from Pont neuf, and a section of the canal beyond the lock. ĂŽle Notre-Dame is surrounded by the Oust. The protected area thus brings together parts of the former walled town with the riverbank and a section of the canal.
Buildings, culture and trading history
Le Pass’temps occupies several buildings dating from the 17th to the 19th century and provides access to exhibition spaces and an auditorium. Alongside individual historic buildings, the programme therefore includes a cultural venue with a range of spaces.
The Chapelle de la Madeleine is an example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Maison à boutique, dite de la Truie qui file (3, place du Bouffay; 38, rue du Général-de-Gaulle), was listed as a historic monument by decree of 17 October 1923, with its façades and roofs protected. The two sites offer different architectural points of interest: at the chapel, the combination of two styles; at the Maison, the specifically protected façades and roofs.
The former use of the market halls is also part of the town’s history. The now-vanished halls on Place du Bouffay traded in salt from the salt marshes of Guérande, leather tanned downstream from the town, and cloth and fabrics woven in Malestroit and the surrounding area. These goods illustrate the former marketplace’s varied trading connections, from salt and leather to textiles from the local area.
Markets and local produce
Malestroit’s weekly markets offer fresh produce and local specialities in the historic centre. The Saturday market takes place year-round and includes fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and cheese. The market’s range therefore extends from fresh produce to local specialities; the Saturday selection is described by product category. Check the dates and opening hours before your trip.
Kayaks and a museum beyond the lock
In summer, the Malestroit canoe and kayak club rents out kayaks for trips on the water lasting from one day to a full day. Rentals are seasonal; check the current operating details in advance if you are planning a trip.
Beyond the lock is the Maison de l’eau et de la pêche, a museum with four large aquariums. Together with the canal and summer kayak rentals, it adds another water-related theme to the town’s historic and cultural attractions.
The market and kayak rentals differ considerably in their seasonal timing: the Saturday market runs year-round, while kayaks are rented in summer. Architecture, trading history and Le Pass’temps, meanwhile, offer different areas of interest from activities on the water.
Discover more destinations: Île D'houat, Le Palais, Inguiniel, Cléguer, Guidel-Plages, La Roche-Bernard, Locoal-Mendon, Sérent
For the main travel overview: Morbihan.
