The best traffic-free bike rides around Le Theil-De-Bretagne

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.

Church attested in the 12th century. Nave flanked by a north aisle, built between 1540 and 1549 (date of consecration by the bishop of Rennes), and by a south aisle, built between 1603 and 1605 (dates inscribed). Inscription on the south door: ESTANT NOBLE ET DISCRET PRESTRE : RENE DE L'ESPINAY RECTEUR DE PIRE : SIEUR DE LA GUAYE FUT CESTE EDIF : CE COMMENCE. SA (NC) TE DEUS SA (NC) TE FORTIS SA (NC) TE IMORTALIS MISERERE NOBIS SA (NC) TE PETRE ORA P (RO) NOBIS : TOUT EST A Dieu 1603. The choir was first rebuilt in 1627, then surmounted by a dome struck by lightning in 1741, then again between 1752 and 1775, flanked by side sacristies. Bell tower at the top of the nave rebuilt in 1669. In 1874, architect Aristide Tourneux had a bay added to the north of the nave and a porch-tower surmounted by a spire built. Stained glass windows signed and dated: Claudius Lavergne 1882, and also stained glass windows from the Rault workshops and the Carmel of Le Mans. South wall of the enclosure redone in the 19th century with a monumental corner staircase.

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

To have

Very nice place, very friendly! I recommend !

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.