Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty, including the Poulancre Valley and Gorges, a Natura 2000 site known for its diverse flora and fauna. You can also visit the large ponds of Poulancre and La Martyre, and the Quelennec Forests. The area's proximity to Lac de Guerlédan, Brittany's largest artificial lake, offers additional natural landscapes to discover.

Yes, you can explore several historical sites. The Bon-Repos Abbey, though in ruins, is a significant historical site near the canal, with ongoing renovations. Another notable landmark is the Lock No. 138 of Bon Repos, an 18th-century canal lock designed like a medieval bridge. The Saint-Gilles Church and the Saint-Yves de Coët-Dreno Chapel also offer insights into the area's heritage.

Cycling is very popular here. You can ride along the Canal de Nantes à Brest, particularly the section from Pontivy to Mûr-de-Bretagne, which offers pleasant routes along the Blavet riverbanks. For a challenge, cyclists can tackle the Côte de Mûr-de-Bretagne, a climb famous from the Tour de France. For more cycling routes, including gravel biking and touring, explore the Cycling around Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché guide.

The Poulancre Valley and Gorges offer excellent opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. The Quelennec Forests also feature numerous routes. Additionally, the area around Lac de Guerlédan provides various trails. For specific running trails, you can check out the Running Trails around Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché guide.

Yes, the Canal de Nantes à Brest offers a family-friendly cycle path. The Lock No. 138 of Bon Repos is also considered family-friendly, with a café nearby. The large ponds like Poulancre and La Martyre are great for nature observation. The village itself is known for its picturesque scenery and floral displays, making it pleasant for family walks.

The Guerlédan Dam is an impressive hydroelectric structure built in 1930, which created the largest artificial lake in Brittany, Lac de Guerlédan. You can go to its base by road to admire the structure, and a small path leads up to lake level, offering superb views.

The region is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, when the village's floral displays are at their peak. The historical extravaganza at Bon-Repos Abbey takes place each summer. Autumn also offers pleasant conditions for exploring the natural landscapes.

Near the Lock No. 138 of Bon Repos, you'll find a hostel in the old canal keeper's house and a café on the opposite side from the abbey. The village of Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché itself, known for its charm, may offer local options for dining and accommodation.

Yes, the region shows evidence of prehistoric activity. You can find several megalithic monuments, such as the Menhir de Callac, which points to early human habitation in the area.

The Canal de Nantes à Brest is notable for its ingenious system of locks, regulating its course. The section from Pontivy to Mûr-de-Bretagne allows you to discover the rich banks of the Blavet river. It's a popular spot for cycling and offers a peaceful, meditative experience with the sound of tires on gravel paths.

From the steep heights of the Poulancre Valley, you can enjoy expansive views of the Poulancre pond and the village. The Côte de Mûr-de-Bretagne, while a challenging climb, also offers rewarding views. Additionally, the Guerlédan Dam provides superb views of Lac de Guerlédan from lake level.