Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Laurent-Sur-Oust - Top 19

Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust offers several historical landmarks. You can visit the 16th-century Parish Church of St. Lawrence, known for its stained glass windows, or the Fountain St. Laurent, which houses a terracotta statue of the saint. The 13th-century Château Beaumont provides commanding views over the Oust valley, and the Cemetery Cross, rebuilt in 1887, also holds historical significance. Additionally, the nearby Historic centre of Malestroit is a must-see, with its well-preserved 15th and 16th-century houses.

Yes, the region has ancient roots. Within Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust, there is a notable Neolithic site on a hilly terrain overlooking the Oust valley, where excavations have revealed a rare burial site and calcined human bones. Further afield, you can visit the Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne in Malansac, or the mystical Menhirs of Monteneuf, which are significant megalithic standing stones.

The landscape around Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust is rich in natural beauty. The Oust valley itself offers diverse scenery with hedgerow farmland, woodlands, and wet meadows. For outstanding views, explore the three hills in the Beaumont area, Lézeran sector, and northern mounds sector. The Nantes to Brest Canal and the Oust River are prominent features, offering picturesque waterways. The Beaumont Wooded Area, southeast of town, also provides tranquil trails.

The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the towpath of the Nantes to Brest Canal, which is easily accessible via a new bridge from Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust. The Beaumont Wooded Area is crisscrossed with trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. For more structured routes, consider the 12 km Houssa trail near Ruffiac, or explore various running trails, MTB trails, and road cycling routes in the surrounding area.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Historic centre of Malestroit and Rochefort-en-Terre, with their charming streets and medieval architecture, are delightful for all ages. The Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne offers an engaging look into ancient times. For active families, cycling along the Nantes to Brest Canal towpath is a popular choice, and the Campsite "Les Rives de l'Oust" in Malestroit offers a playground and kayak rentals.

The best time to visit Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust is generally during the warmer months, from spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the charming villages. This period also sees local events, such as the new music festival "Les pieds dans l'Oust" by the river.

For accommodation, the Campsite "Les Rives de l'Oust" in Malestroit is a convenient option, located directly on the towpath and offering pitches, mobile homes, and lodge tents. It's known for its quiet, informal, and sociable atmosphere, and is just 300m from Malestroit's town center. You can find more details at www.campingmalestroit.com.

Beyond historical sites, the region offers unique cultural experiences. The Naïa Museum in Rochefort-en-Terre and the Museum of the Breton Resistance in Morbihan provide cultural insights. For something truly unusual, visit Le poète ferrailleur / Museum of the Junkyard Poet in Lizio, which showcases robots and animated sculptures made from recycled objects. The Home Yves Rocher - Museum Immersif in Sixt-sur-Aff also offers an immersive museum experience.

Yes, you can easily cycle along the Nantes to Brest Canal. A significant project in recent years was the construction of a bridge connecting the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust directly to the towpath on the other side of the canal, making it very convenient for walking and cycling along this scenic waterway.

Absolutely. Just a short distance away, Rochefort-en-Terre is recognized as one of France's "most beautiful villages," known for its charming streets and medieval architecture. The Historic centre of Malestroit is another delightful medieval town on the Oust, famous for its well-preserved half-timbered houses and interesting sculptures.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The medieval streets and architecture of towns like Rochefort-en-Terre and Malestroit are frequently highlighted. The serene atmosphere of the Oust River and the Nantes to Brest Canal, perfect for walking and cycling, also receives high praise. The area's ability to offer both historical exploration and relaxing outdoor activities is a key draw.

Yes, the region is home to impressive historical castles. Within Saint-Laurent-sur-Oust, you can see the 13th-century Château Beaumont. A bit further afield, the majestic Château de Josselin, with its 1000-year history, is a must-visit. It is still inhabited by the Rohan family and is beautifully situated along the Oust River. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia.