Attractions and places to see around Saint-Thual, a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of Brittany, France, offer a tranquil setting. The area serves as a gateway to historical sites, notable gardens, and significant natural features. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from canals to ponds and megalithic monuments.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Saint-Thual.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Departure from the pretty town of Combourg with its lake and castle, passing through the Chapelle au Filsmen to join the canal towards Dinan, various pretty, well-maintained locks, half-turn to Evran where there is a site for bivouac camping, and a food truck. The ideal is to go to Dinan, a very pretty historic town, you arrive directly at the port with various shops.
1
0
megalith which dominates the countryside. excellent downhill single suitable for gravel
0
0
Outing with road bike equipped with 28 mm tires, only the parts recently redone; with very large gravel; are uncomfortable.
2
0
Opposite the standing stone, large field of aligned stones. Be careful in rainy weather, delicate surroundings of the water reservoir
0
0
The menhir is made of quartzite. Its height is 4.28 m, width 2.20 m and thickness 1.18 m. Its elongated and pointed shape would have earned it its name of Pierre Longue. Toppled in 1963, the menhir was erected in 1979. (Wikipedia)
0
0
Directly near the Ille-et-Rance canal, the 3 km tour of the pond allows everyone to indulge in hiking, horse riding or cycling. In season, the restaurant and supervised swimming offer the possibility of spending friendly moments with the family.
0
0
The Ille-et-Rance canal is a small canal which connects the cities of Rennes and Saint-Malo. It starts at the “Mail” lock in Rennes and ends at the “Châtelier” lock in Saint-Samson-sur-Rance in Côtes-d’Armor. This section of the Ille & Rance canal coming from Dinan, which is also a greenway, will take you to Montreuil-sur-Ille. It is on its own site, except for a very small part of less than 2 km, which takes a small, safe road. This greenway is very pleasant, offering very pretty landscapes decorated with beautifully flowered lock keepers' houses.
5
1
The region offers a variety of natural settings. You can enjoy the tranquil waters of the Etang de Bétineuc, which has an accessible trail for walking, horse riding, or cycling. The Ille-et-Rance Canal also provides a beautiful greenway for leisurely strolls or bike rides, featuring picturesque lock keepers' houses. Further afield, you'll find the Étangs du canal d'Ille-et-Rance and the Estuaire de la Rance.
Absolutely. The Ille-et-Rance Canal is a prime location for both cycling and walking. Its towpath offers a flat, easy-going greenway connecting Rennes and Saint-Malo, with charming landscapes and flowered lock keepers' houses. You can also cycle or walk around the Etang de Bétineuc.
Near Saint-Thual, you can explore several historical gems. The Church of the Holy Trinity in Saint-Thual itself is a notable neo-Romanesque building. Just 4 km away, you'll find the Menhir de la Pierre Longue, a megalithic standing stone. A short drive will take you to the medieval Château de Dinan and the historic town of Dinan, as well as the famous Château de Combourg, former home of Chateaubriand.
Yes, the area is rich in cultural landmarks. The Church of the Holy Trinity in Saint-Thual is a significant local site. Nearby, you can visit the impressive Château de Dinan and the Château de Combourg. The town of Bécherel, known as a 'city of books,' is also just 4 km away and offers a unique cultural experience.
Yes, there are several options for families. The Etang de Bétineuc offers a leisure center with swimming, fishing, and picnic areas in season, along with an accessible trail for walking or cycling. The Site des Onze écluses provides an interesting and educational experience watching the manually operated locks. The Zoo and Castle Bourbansais, located 7 km away, combines wildlife with history, and Cobac Parc is a nearby leisure park.
The region around Saint-Thual is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and running along the Ille-et-Rance Canal and around the Etang de Bétineuc. For more structured routes, komoot offers several guides, including Gravel biking around Saint-Thual, Running Trails around Saint-Thual, and Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Thual.
Yes, the trail around the Etang de Bétineuc is very accessible, featuring wooden footbridges that allow close access to the banks. The towpath along the Ille-et-Rance Canal is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for many visitors.
The spring and summer months (May to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Saint-Thual. During this time, the weather is pleasant for walking, cycling, and enjoying the waterways. The lock keepers' houses along the Ille-et-Rance Canal are beautifully flowered, and facilities like swimming at Etang de Bétineuc are open.
Many natural outdoor areas are dog-friendly. The towpath along the Ille-et-Rance Canal is a great option for walks with your dog, provided they are kept on a leash. The trail around the Etang de Bétineuc is also suitable for dog walks. Always check specific site regulations for castles or gardens, as policies may vary.
Visitors frequently praise the peaceful and scenic environment. The Ille-et-Rance Canal is loved for its gorgeous, flat towpath and pretty landscapes. The Site des Onze écluses is described as a 'very pretty place' and a 'cool trip' for its unique, manually operated locks. The Etang de Bétineuc is appreciated for its accessible trail and family-friendly leisure options.
Yes, the region boasts several remarkable gardens. You can visit the Parc du château de Caradeuc (4 km), the Jardins du château de la Bourbansais (7 km), and the Jardins de Montmarin (29 km). These offer diverse landscapes and horticultural beauty for a pleasant day out.
You can experience local culture at nearby markets. Tinteniac hosts a market on Wednesdays (7 km), Dinan on Thursdays (16 km), and Combourg on Mondays (16 km). These markets are great places to find local produce and crafts.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: