Attractions and Places To See around Avessac - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Avessac offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences. This region features historic towns, significant waterways like the Nantes-Brest Canal, and ancient megalithic sites. Visitors can explore a landscape shaped by rivers and canals, providing opportunities for walking and cycling along scenic towpaths.
Best attractions and places to see around Avessac
- The most popular attractions is Alignments du Moulin, a man-made monument featuring megalithic menhirs. These stone rows date back approximately 5000 years, predating the Egyptian pyramids.
- Another must-see spot is Canal de Nantes à Brest, a canal offering peaceful strolls along its green banks. This waterway is ideal for cycling enthusiasts, with tree-lined towpaths providing a calm natural setting.
- Visitors also love Towpath along the Vilaine, a path built in the 18th century. This historic path, once used for pulling barges, now provides a tranquil route for cycling or walking.
- Avessac is known for its historic towns, extensive canal systems, and ancient megalithic sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from cultural landmarks to natural riverine landscapes.
- The attractions around Avessac are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and 41 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Redon
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Towpath along the Vilaine
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Alignments du Moulin
Highlight • Monument
The Neolithic Megalithic culture reached its peak between 4500 and 2500 BC. With some dating back to around 4000 BC, these monuments are significantly older than, for example, the Egyptian pyramids, which were built around 2500 BC.
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Canal de Nantes à Brest
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Lock No. 19 of Maclaye-Painfaut
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Tips from the Community
In 832, Conuvoion, a Breton monk, founded the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur in Redon with the support of the Carolingian Emperor Louis the Pious. A small rural community slowly grew up around the abbey. During the Middle Ages, the town benefited from its location on the Vilaine River, as trade goods could be transported upstream to Redon on ocean-going vessels. There, the goods were transshipped and transported further on inland waterway barges towards Rennes, the capital of Brittany. In the 19th century, Redon experienced another period of prosperity with the construction of the Nantes-Brest Canal. Even today, the old shipowners' houses and the large harbor basin bear witness to its history as a trading port.
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Redon has managed to retain its quiet, small-town character, despite its intense activity (and traffic). Following the floods of 2024, the campsite is closed. The pedestrian street is pleasant and not overcrowded with shops. Just what you need. A visit to the port is also a pleasant experience.
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through the countryside, always nice to find the canal again
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A lock keeper and his dream of a little paradise...
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A "treidelpfad" (towpath) that runs alongside the river or canal's bed was an essential part of the transport infrastructure in earlier times. Before ships could be powered by motors, horses walked along the bank, pulling the boat against the current. This was called "treideln" (towing), and this is how the towpaths got their name, which has been passed down to this day. Where these paths, located directly along the bank, have been preserved, they are popular with hikers and cyclists.
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The Nantes-Brest Canal, at Redon, offers a peaceful stroll along its green banks. This river crossroads, where the Vilaine and the canal meet, is ideal for cycling enthusiasts. The tree-lined towpaths allow you to enjoy the calm of nature while admiring the boats passing by.
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Very nice hike. Please note, the indicated parking lot no longer exists, you must park near the football stadium
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About 5000 years old row of stones with good explanation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique historical attractions around Avessac?
The region boasts significant historical sites. Don't miss the Alignments du Moulin, a fascinating megalithic site with stone rows dating back approximately 5000 years, predating the Egyptian pyramids. The historic town of Redon also offers a rich past with its elegant half-timbered houses and history as a trading port.
What natural features or waterways can I explore near Avessac?
The area is defined by its waterways. The Canal de Nantes à Brest provides peaceful strolls along its green banks, ideal for cycling. You can also explore the Towpath along the Vilaine, a historic path once used for pulling barges, now perfect for tranquil walks or bike rides.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Avessac?
Visitors appreciate the calm natural settings, the historical depth of sites like the Alignments du Moulin, and the opportunities for outdoor activities along the canals and rivers. The region's blend of cultural landmarks and serene riverine landscapes is highly valued by the komoot community.
Are there good cycling routes near Avessac's attractions?
Yes, the region is excellent for cycling. The towpaths along the Canal de Nantes à Brest and the Vilaine River are particularly popular. You can find various routes, including easy and moderate options, by exploring the Cycling around Avessac guide.
What kind of walking or running trails can I find around Avessac?
Avessac offers a variety of walking and running trails, especially along its extensive canal systems and riverbanks. The Towpath along the Vilaine is a great option for a peaceful walk. For more structured routes, check out the Running Trails around Avessac guide, which includes options like the 'Pordor Castle – Château du Port d'Or, Avessac loop'.
Are there any easy walks suitable for everyone near Avessac?
Absolutely. The Towpath along the Vilaine and the banks of the Canal de Nantes à Brest offer flat, well-maintained paths perfect for easy strolls, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. These routes provide a tranquil setting to enjoy nature.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Avessac area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Alignments du Moulin can be an engaging historical visit for children. The towpaths along the Canal de Nantes à Brest and the Vilaine River are excellent for family walks or bike rides. Additionally, Lock No. 19 of Maclaye-Painfaut is noted as family-friendly, with a high ropes course nearby.
Are the attractions around Avessac accessible for people with limited mobility or strollers?
Many of the canal towpaths, such as those along the Canal de Nantes à Brest and the Vilaine River, are generally flat and well-suited for strollers and individuals with limited mobility, offering easy access to nature. However, specific conditions may vary, so it's always good to check local information for particular sections.
When is the best time of year to visit Avessac's attractions?
The best time to visit Avessac's attractions, especially for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the canals, is typically from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the natural and historical sites.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options near Avessac?
Yes, the towpaths along the canals and rivers are generally dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. The peaceful banks of the Canal de Nantes à Brest and the Towpath along the Vilaine offer excellent opportunities for walks with your canine companion.
What is the historical significance of Redon?
Redon is a historic town founded around the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur in 832. Its strategic location on the Vilaine River made it a crucial trading port, allowing ocean-going vessels to transport goods upstream. The town experienced further prosperity with the construction of the Nantes-Brest Canal in the 19th century, and its old shipowners' houses still bear witness to its rich past.
Can I find any hidden gems or less-known spots around Avessac?
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the smaller locks along the canals, such as Lock No. 19 of Maclaye-Painfaut, can offer a charming and authentic experience. These spots often feature beautifully decorated lock houses and provide a glimpse into the region's unique canal heritage, away from larger crowds.
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