Attractions and Places To See around Retiers - Top 5

Church attested in the 12th century. Nave flanked by a north aisle, built between 1540 and 1549 (date of consecration by the bishop of Rennes), and by a south aisle, built between 1603 and 1605 (dates inscribed). Inscription on the south door: ESTANT NOBLE ET DISCRET PRESTRE : RENE DE L'ESPINAY RECTEUR DE PIRE : SIEUR DE LA GUAYE FUT CESTE EDIF : CE COMMENCE. SA (NC) TE DEUS SA (NC) TE FORTIS SA (NC) TE IMORTALIS MISERERE NOBIS SA (NC) TE PETRE ORA P (RO) NOBIS : TOUT EST A Dieu 1603. The choir was first rebuilt in 1627, then surmounted by a dome struck by lightning in 1741, then again between 1752 and 1775, flanked by side sacristies. Bell tower at the top of the nave rebuilt in 1669. In 1874, architect Aristide Tourneux had a bay added to the north of the nave and a porch-tower surmounted by a spire built. Stained glass windows signed and dated: Claudius Lavergne 1882, and also stained glass windows from the Rault workshops and the Carmel of Le Mans. South wall of the enclosure redone in the 19th century with a monumental corner staircase.

With nearly 20 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 4 meters high, the Roche-aux-Fées remains the largest dolmen in France and one of the best-preserved in Europe. It is composed of a schist-covered passage formed by four chambers whose meaning has not yet been revealed. Although the construction of this monument dates back to the Neolithic period, around 2000 BC, specialists remain perplexed about its construction method. The site is impressive. And when you know that some stones weighing over 40 tons come from several kilometers around, you wonder how the inhabitants of the time managed to move them there. Such a site could only inspire stories, legends, and beliefs. One of them tells that the fairy Viviane, aided by fellow fairies, would have built this imposing monument... in one night. Another concerns lovers: to know if their union will last, couples must walk around the Roche-aux-fées, each in a different direction, and count the stones. If they find the same number of stones, their future will be bright! Through a mysterious alignment during the winter solstice on December 21st or 22nd, the sun rises facing the entrance of the dolmen. At that moment, the light rays magically illuminate the stone located at the back of the covered passage. Access is free and open. The small surrounding roads are charming and quiet.

Short video of the site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqEBsKL7P7s

A small town of character, La Guerche-de-bretagne is full of charm, its cobbled streets inviting you to stroll among the half-timbered houses. Source: https://www.petitescitesdecaractere.com/cites/la-guerche-de-bretagne

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The medieval village of La Guerche-de-Bretagne is famous for its lively Tuesday morning market and the remarkable architecture of its half-timbered houses. The weekly market remains one of the largest in France and is one of the three must-see markets in Ille-et-Vilaine. The tradition of markets in La Guerche dates back to 1121!

It is an artistic and cultural place. Built on the site of the feudal manor of Plessis-Guériff, the current castle dates from 1722. Partly destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, it has retained a 15th century wing which is still visible today. You can explore the sculpture park and take part in artistic workshops. It is also a hotel. For all information and reservations click here: https://www.chateaudesperes.fr/en

The rock of the fairies, French: Roche-aux-fées, located in the middle of green nature, is simply enchanting. If you are interested in megaliths, you should take a break here. The undisputed largest dolmen in France is also closely linked to the legend of the fairy Liliane. The construction of this monument undoubtedly dates back to the Neolithic period, i.e. around 2,000 years before our time. So far, researchers have not found an explanation for exactly how it was built. With its 19.50 meters length, six meters width and four meters height, the structure is more than impressive. And when you consider that some of the stones, which weigh more than 40 tons, come from several kilometers away, you can rightly ask yourself how the people of that time managed to transport them here. This mystery gave rise to a legend: it is said that the impressive structure was built by Viviane and her fairy friends.