Attractions and Places To See around Montreuil-Le-Gast - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Montreuil-Le-Gast include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes centered around the Ille-et-Rance Canal. This region offers opportunities for exploring engineering marvels, historical architecture, and scenic waterways. Visitors can discover a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor activities, with many locations accessible by foot or bike. The area provides diverse points of interest for those seeking to understand local history and enjoy the natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Montreuil-Le-Gast
- The most popular attractions is Site des Onze écluses, a series of 11 locks that allow boats to overcome a 27-meter elevation difference on the Ille-et-Rance Canal. These manually operated locks, each with a Napoleonic-style lock keeper's house, function as an aquatic elevator.
- Another must-see spot is Ille Flottante, a restaurant offering unusual accommodation on the Ille-et-Rance canal. This location provides catering, a bar, and a regional products shop, alongside options for bicycle and small boat rentals.
- Visitors also love Charbonnière Mill, a historical mill along the canal. This site is a destination for both walkers and cyclists, featuring an easy cycling path and serving as a technical and historical monument.
- Montreuil-Le-Gast is known for its historical sites, canal-side attractions, and recreational opportunities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from engineering feats to cultural landmarks and places for outdoor activities.
- The attractions around Montreuil-Le-Gast are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 230 upvotes and 48 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Site des Onze écluses
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Charbonnière Mill
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Perfect stop for a loop starting in the center of Rennes, the Charbonnière mill and the canal is an inviting destination with an easy cycling path.
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Catholic Church - St. Justine of Gévezé
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In Gévezé, the oldest remains of the church date from the 12th century, notably a bay in the south wall of the nave. The Sainte-Justine Church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, of which it retains some elements of its framework, or even gargoyles and crossettes with fantastic animal shapes.
A tower had been built between 1614 and 1628. This one threatening to fall into ruins was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century, in a different place: the bottom of the nave.
The Sait-Justine church housed two side altars dedicated to the Virgin and Saint Anne, made of stone and marble by the Rennes sculptor Bernard Dupont in 1637. They were demolished in 1783, by kind rationalist supporters of the Fraternal Republic and democratic.
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Lock on the Ille-et-Rance Canal
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A little history :
Construction of the Ille-et-Rance canal began in 1804, under Napoleon I, and ended in 1832. The bulk of the work focused on the 11 Hédé-Bazouges locks which connect the two rivers. A real aquatic ladder, they allow you to overcome a 27 m difference in height. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the canal's vocation was essentially commercial between Rennes and Saint-Malo, but little by little the railways and then the road took over, announcing the decline of this economic vocation. Today, the transport of goods has given way to river tourism.
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Ille Flottante
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Tips from the Community
Nowadays, only very few mills are still in operation in their original function, but they appear to hikers and cyclists along the river or canal as technical and historical monuments of an ancient craft tradition: Only through human ingenuity and the power of flowing water as driving energy, the heavy millstones inside were moved and so, for example, grain could be ground into flour (so-called grain mills) or oil could be pressed from fruits (e.g. olives) (so-called oil mills).
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Always a good spot for a walk on the Rance!
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Beautiful view of the canal. There is a path along it, but it might not be suitable for a road bike with thin tires. Great place for a picnic. A little history : Construction of the Ille-et-Rance canal began in 1804, under Napoleon I, and ended in 1832. The bulk of the work focused on the 11 Hédé-Bazouges locks which connect the two rivers. A real aquatic ladder, they allow you to overcome a 27 m difference in height. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the canal's vocation was essentially commercial between Rennes and Saint-Malo, but little by little the railways and then the road took over, announcing the decline of this economic vocation. Today, the transport of goods has given way to river tourism.
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The wash house is located just opposite the body of water (unfortunately not visible in the photo). Formerly used for washing, it now serves more as a historical monument.
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Ille Flottante offers unusual accommodation on the Ille-et-Rance canal: on the water in 5 boats / 5 different atmospheres, in old horse boxes or in an old rig washed up in the meadow. There are also bicycles, small boat rentals, a bar and catering on site as well as a regional products shop for a gourmet break.
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The oldest remains of the parish church of Sainte-Justine de Gévezé date from the 12th century, notably a bay in the south wall of the nave. The Sainte-Justine Church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, of which it retains some elements of its framework, or even gargoyles and crossettes with fantastic animal shapes. A tower had been built between 1614 and 1628. This one threatening to fall into ruins was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century, in a different place: the bottom of the nave. The plans and specifications for this new porch bell tower were drawn up by Jacques Mellet who took delivery of the work in 1858. (wiki-rennes.fr)
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From Hede to Dinan, cycle path along the river, fantastic nature. Worth a stop in Lehon, where you find the royal abbey and a beautiful garden. Dinan, a very characteristic medieval town to visit in half a day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions around Montreuil-Le-Gast?
For families, the Ille Flottante offers unique accommodation on the canal, along with bike and small boat rentals, and a regional products shop. The Lock on the Ille-et-Rance Canal provides a beautiful spot for a walk or a picnic. The Site des Onze écluses is also fascinating for all ages, showcasing an impressive engineering feat with manually operated locks.
Are there historical sites to explore in the Montreuil-Le-Gast area?
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can visit the Site des Onze écluses, an 11-lock system with Napoleonic-style lock keeper's houses. The Charbonnière Mill is a technical and historical monument along the canal. Additionally, the Catholic Church - St. Justine of Gévezé features elements dating back to the 12th century, including gargoyles and fantastic animal shapes.
What outdoor activities can I do near Montreuil-Le-Gast's attractions?
The area around Montreuil-Le-Gast is ideal for various outdoor activities, especially along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and even gravel biking. Many routes pass by attractions like the Charbonnière Mill and the Site des Onze écluses. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking guides for the region.
Are there easy hiking or walking trails suitable for beginners around Montreuil-Le-Gast?
Yes, many paths along the Ille-et-Rance Canal are suitable for easy walks and beginner hikers. For example, the path near the Charbonnière Mill is an easy cycling path that is also great for walking. You can find several easy routes in the hiking guide for Montreuil-Le-Gast, such as the 'Ancien fournil loop from Saint-Germain-sur-Ille'.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Montreuil-Le-Gast?
The attractions around Montreuil-Le-Gast, particularly those along the Ille-et-Rance Canal, are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to early autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and enjoying the canal-side amenities. Spring brings blooming nature, while autumn showcases beautiful foliage. Even winter walks can be charming along the canal, though some services might be limited.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or restaurants near the attractions?
The Ille Flottante is a notable spot right on the Ille-et-Rance Canal, offering catering, a bar, and a regional products shop. It's a convenient place to take a break or eat while exploring the canal-side attractions.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
While popular, the Site des Onze écluses offers a truly unique experience with its manually operated locks and artistic background, making it more than just a typical historical site. For a different kind of 'hidden gem,' consider the unusual accommodation options at Ille Flottante, where you can stay on the water in unique boats.
Can I spot wildlife along the Ille-et-Rance Canal?
The Ille-et-Rance Canal and its surrounding natural landscapes provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for various bird species, especially waterfowl, and other small animals that inhabit the canal banks and nearby wooded areas while you walk or cycle.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Montreuil-Le-Gast?
Visitors frequently praise the peaceful and well-maintained environment, especially along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. The engineering marvel of the Site des Onze écluses is often highlighted for its beauty and historical significance. Many appreciate the blend of cultural heritage and outdoor activities, with the canal paths being perfect for walking and cycling.
Are there any specific cycling paths around the attractions?
Yes, the path along the Ille-et-Rance Canal is very popular for cycling. The route near the Charbonnière Mill is described as an easy cycling path, ideal for a loop. You can also rent bicycles at Ille Flottante to explore the canal at your own pace. For more cycling options, check the road cycling and gravel biking guides.
Is parking available near the main attractions?
While specific parking details for each attraction are not provided, areas along the Ille-et-Rance Canal, especially near popular sites like the Site des Onze écluses and the Charbonnière Mill, typically have designated parking areas or roadside spots for visitors accessing the canal paths. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Are the attractions around Montreuil-Le-Gast dog-friendly?
Many outdoor areas, particularly the walking and cycling paths along the Ille-et-Rance Canal, are generally dog-friendly. You can enjoy walks with your dog around sites like the Site des Onze écluses and the Charbonnière Mill. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to respect other visitors and the environment.
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