The best road cycling routes around Noyal-Sur-Vilaine

The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church was built in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style by Aristide Tourneux, an architect from Castelgiron. With a touch of humor, the town's priest in 1912 wanted to give "cats to the girons": Arthur Regnault, a sculptor, therefore sculpted cats at the four corners of the bell tower. Having collapsed in 1998 following a severe storm, the bell tower was rebuilt identically in 2000.

Old church mentioned as early as 1160 and rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries (old tower dated 1582). The current church was entirely built to the plans of Arthur Regnault in 1904 (date and attribution by source). He uses the model of the so-called Plantagenet vaulted ceiling for the covering of the nave and aisles, but for the bell tower, he draws inspiration from Cornish bell walls. Two windows from the late 15th and 16th centuries of the old church were reused on the south side of the nave. This church, rebuilt in the Breton flamboyant style, is representative of the architect's style during this period.

The construction of the old church, razed in 1880, was attributed to the lord of Gué. The current church was built between 1880 and 1885 by the contractor Jean-Marie Huchet, based on plans by architect Aristide Folie. The furniture program was designed by Arthur Regnault between 1880 and 1900. The oldest stained glass windows are signed Claudius Lavergne et Fils. This church has a Latin cross plan and a porch bell tower at the facade. The interior is divided into three naves covered by false vaults on ribbed vaults. Neo-Gothic style. Spire not built.

The bell tower is visible from afar and has long dominated the town and its surroundings. The Saint-Pierre church has retained its impact on the local landscape for over a century. It was indeed in 1888 that the Fabrique Council decided to entrust Arthur Régnault, the diocese's architect, with the project for a new construction. His plan was accepted and work began in October 1889, before the blessing of the first stone on March 13, 1890. As an anecdote, the stones are extracted from the quarry of La Bouëxière. Quickly, the inhabitants discovered its citadel-like appearance, Arthur Régnault having wanted to honor the city of Châteaubourg which had not had a castle for a long time! The structural work was completed on March 28, 1893, but due to lack of funds, the bells would wait until 1894. The work on the woodwork and the construction of the high altar took place in 1911, the church being due to host the important Eucharistic congress of 1913. Maintenance work continued over the years, the church having become the property of the municipality since 1905. During the bombings of the summer of 1944, the church was spared. The inhabitants would not forget it: on May 9, 1945, the day after the armistice, the men carried Notre Dame de Boulogne in procession and paraded barefoot through the streets. The centenary was celebrated in 1992 with the decision to install the current organ. The church of Châteaubourg has thus traversed local history from the 15th century – the date of construction of the previous, much smaller church – to that designed by Arthur Régnault.

The sacristy and tower of the current church were built in 1628 and 1632. A chapel was dedicated to Saint Nicholas in 1643. As for the nave, it dates from 1856. It contains a carved wooden altarpiece, bearing the coat of arms of Brignon, one of the church's financiers.

It originally consisted of a simple nave built in the 15th and 16th centuries, and whose straight chancel was rebuilt in 1700. The church, thus restored, was solemnly blessed by the rector on August 2, 1761. In 1806, a chapel dedicated to Saint Margaret was added to the south, and in 1818, to the north, the tower was partly redone, with at its base the chapel of the Virgin Mary. The lord Du Val, at Saint-Didier, has in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste a tomb where Jean de La Porte, lord Du Val, was buried in 1618, and in 1761 Suzanne Marion, daughter of lord Du Val and widow of Charles Du Boispéan. M. de Guersans, vicar general, erected the confraternity of the Holy Spirit at Saint-Jean-sur-Vilaine on June 25, 1746. Several foundations exist in this church: that of Le Poirier, that of La Bâte, that of La Porte. Jeanne Guyot, lady of La Hamonais, founded an annuity of 36 livres for the maintenance of candles during the octave of the Blessed Sacrament.

Beautiful spot with the Pont Réan bridge

Nice and agreeable path along the Villaine river with ample shade. Best for strolls. If on a bike, please be courteous to walkers and watch out for the kids. There are many running around.