The best road cycling routes around Forêt de la Guerche

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

The construction of this church began in the 10th century. In the 11th century a large fire destroyed a large part of the church, but later the church was rebuilt. It was rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries, possibly thanks to the generosity of the Dukes of Brissac. It has been a historic monument since 1974. There are statues of gargoyles on the facade which are quite remarkable. For mass it is the 1st Saturday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

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!

This greenway was built on the old railway line which linked Châteaubriant to Ploërmel. In its heyday at the start of the last century, trains were essentially freight trains that transported iron mined in the region.

Renazé is a very beautiful town where a magnificent greenway begins or ends.

In Soulvache, the historic parish church was "the Saint-Jean chapel", built from the 12th to the 17th century. Disused for the construction of the Saint-Jacques church, it served as a school, and now as a municipal hall. On the other hand, the Saint-Jacques church, built in the mid-19th century, is still in use.