Saint-Gonnery can be explored through several specific themes: the building history of the parish church, water engineering along the Rigole d’Hilvern, and the games on offer at Louarnig Park. There are also routes for walks, hikes and bike rides along the banks and towpaths of the Rigole. These themes offer different points of focus: architecture and heritage protection, the former purpose of the waterworks, or getting active along the waterways. Before your trip, you can decide which of these aspects interests you most.

Games, a cycle route and seasonal food

Louarnig Park is located in the Hilvern lock house in Saint-Gonnery. It offers a wide range of traditional Breton games and games from around the world. The park is on the Vélodyssée, which runs here along the towpath. If you plan to use this route for a bike ride, check local access conditions in advance. The dining area offers local products such as cheese, andouille, crêpes and galettes, as well as ice cream. The food offering is seasonal. Before your trip, find out whether it will be available during your stay; also check the seasonal availability of the games.

Water engineering and trails along the Rigole d’Hilvern

The Rigole d’Hilvern was built between 1828 and 1838 to supply the Canal de Nantes à Brest with water year-round. Its construction period and purpose tell the story of infrastructure designed to supply water. This should be distinguished from using the banks and towpaths for walks and hikes on foot or by bike. You can therefore choose either to focus on the history of water engineering or to use the route as a setting for outdoor activity. Local trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Several building phases at the parish church

Several building phases can be distinguished at Saint-Gonnery parish church. A reused stone bears the date 1628, and the church was rebuilt in 1881. The western bell tower was built in 1895 and 1896 to plans by the Nantes architect Diberder. The date on the stone is therefore not to be confused with the rebuilding of the church or the later construction of the tower. Those interested in architecture will find several distinct historical details in a single building.

Wayside cross and lock structure

The wayside cross on Rue du Calvaire is another historic landmark: it dates from the 16th century and was listed as a historic monument by decree on 29 March 1935. The lock structure at Pont No. 72 near La Ville Perrot in Saint-Gonnery offers a different perspective on building history. Its distinctive features include granite masonry and a wooden lower gate. The wayside cross and the lock represent different types of historic structures; together with the parish church, they offer several separate points of reference for exploring the history of the area.

Visits by appointment

Visits to the farm and mills at Ferme de la Cavalerie are available by appointment. Arrange a time before your trip rather than planning the visit as a spontaneous stop. This means the visit requires different planning from choosing a trail along the Rigole: here, arranging in advance is essential, while on the trail you should check local conditions. This lets you plan your trip around the themes that interest you most and keep track of any preparations needed for each one.

Discover more destinations: Landaul, Allaire, Saint-Servant, Calan, Arzal, Merlevenez, Baud, Lanouée.

Go to the regional travel overview: Morbihan.