Attractions and Places To See around Mordelles - Top 20

Mordelles is rich in history. You can explore the Saint-Pierre Church, a Neo-Gothic structure from the mid-19th century with Romanesque elements. The area also features several châteaux, including the 17th-century Château de Beaumont (a Historic Monument with a 14th-century chapel), the 19th-century Château de la Haichois, and the 17th/19th-century Château de la Villedubois. Additionally, various mansions like Chesnaye, Ville-Chevron, Peronnais, and Saudrais are recognized for their heritage.

Absolutely. The picturesque Meu and Vaunoise Valleys offer beautiful landscapes and routes for cycling. For a unique natural experience, visit Boël Mill, an emblematic site in the Vilaine valley, popular for walks, bike rides, kayaking, and canoeing. You can also explore Les Jardins de Brocéliande, located about 3km away, which features 24 hectares of nature with playful and sensory paths.

Families will enjoy several spots. Boël Mill is great for all ages, offering walks, bike rides, and the spectacle of boats passing through the lock. Les Jardins de Brocéliande provides a fun and sensory experience with barefoot trails and nets in trees. The Parc Ornithologique de Bretagne in Bruz is another excellent option for a pleasant stroll to discover various birds.

The Vilaine towpath is ideal for waterside activities. You can start at Boël Mill and follow the towpath towards Rennes or Redon, with picnic tables available. Another key point is Pont-Réan, a bridge connecting Guichen and Bruz, which is a popular spot on the Vilaine towpath. You can also cross the surprising drawbridge at the Cicé lock to reach Chavagne.

Yes, the Butte de la Maltière is a historically significant site. Originally a shooting range built in 1937, it became a place of execution for resistance fighters by the Germans during World War II. A total of 76 resistance fighters, primarily from Ille-et-Vilaine, were executed there between 1940 and 1944.

Mordelles is a great starting point for various cycling adventures. You can find routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and general bike rides. For example, there's a 26 km circuit that crosses nearby communes like Cintré and La Chapelle-Thouarault, winding through the grove between the Meu and Vaunoise valleys. You can explore more options for gravel biking or road cycling around Mordelles.

Yes, there are several hiking trails around Mordelles. The area offers diverse paths, from easy walks to more moderate routes. For instance, you can find a 6 km easy loop around Biardais Pond starting from Mordelles, or a moderate 11.7 km loop from Cintré with views of the Moulin du Guern. Discover more options for hiking around Mordelles.

Visitors love the versatility of the Boël Mill area. It's considered an emblematic site of the Vilaine valley, perfect for walks, bike rides, and even kayaking or canoeing. The elevated positions offer beautiful panoramas, extending to Rennes on clear days. The passage of boats through the lock is also a popular spectacle, and there are picnic tables along the towpath for a relaxing break.

Yes, the Parc Ornithologique de Bretagne in Bruz offers a pleasant setting to observe various bird species. Additionally, the natural river valleys of the Meu and Vaunoise, as well as the areas around the Vilaine, provide habitats for local wildlife, making them good spots for nature observation during walks or bike rides.

Beyond the châteaux, the Saint-Pierre Church is a prominent architectural landmark in Mordelles, noted for its Neo-Gothic style and older Romanesque elements. The 12th-century Boël Mill is another significant historical structure, showcasing traditional watermill architecture. While further afield in Rennes, the grand Saint-Georges Palace, a former abbey residence completed in 1670, is also a notable historic building.

Yes, Mordelles hosts a weekly market on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons, offering a chance to experience local life and find regional products. Additionally, the commune organizes a big sell-off in September and a Christmas market in December, providing seasonal opportunities for shopping and cultural immersion.