Treasure n°4 Stone nuggets around Dol-de-Bretagne

Near Dol-de-Bretagne, the Abbey of Tronchet, founded in the 12th century, captivates with its calm and Cistercian architecture. Not far away, the Beaufort Monastery, a former place of spiritual retreat, recalls the region’s religious history. The famous menhir du Champ-Dolent, over 9 metres high, is one of the largest menhirs in Brittany. For a nature break, the parc de la Higourdais offers wooded paths, ponds and the remains of an old mill, ideal for family walks.

1. L’Abbaye du Tronchet

In the 17th century, the abbey was rebuilt a little further up the hill, away from the marshes. It has a cruciform floor plan with a single nave and a straight apse. It is topped by a bell tower consisting of three small domes one above the other. The cloister contains the gardens where the monks grew vegetables and medicinal herbs. A remarkable holly tree planted in 1643 can also be seen here.

And to continue, a walk is on offer!

2. The Notre-Dame de Beaufort monastery

A monastery is still in operation at Beaufort in the commune of Plerguer. A community of nuns from the Order of Preachers is based in a former manor house, Le Château de Beaufort, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages.

3. L’étang de Mireloup

The Beaufort and Mireloup ponds are the drinking water reservoirs for the Saint-Malo region. You can see many birds there: mallard ducks, herons, moorhens, cormorants, etc. On the shores of the lake, near a headland, you’ll see La Roche au Diable. Legend has it that these are the footprints left by the devil when he wanted to take this rock to destroy Mont-Saint-Michel…

Follow the tour of La Roche au diable.

©Menhir Du Champ Dolent Dol De Bretagne Simon Bourcier 906|©simonbourcier.com

4. The Champ Dolent menhir

In Breton, “Men” means stone and “hir” means long. This long stone is 9.42 metres high above the ground, with a waistline of 8.70 metres at its widest point and a total height of almost 13 metres, part of which is buried in the ground.

Discover this place!

5. Le parc de la Higourdais

At the heart of a preserved natural area, the Parc de la Higourdais welcomes you all year round. Nestling in a wooded valley, you’ll discover two ponds and the old Higourdais mill. Departure signposted from the parking area at the entrance to the site.