Treasure n°5 Heritage nuggets from the wild setting

The villages of Pleine-Fougères, Vieux-Viel and Broualan offer an authentic setting, between unspoilt nature, rural heritage and local traditions. Take a stroll through these charming communes, on the doorstep of Mont-Saint-Michel, and be surprised by the cultural richness of the region. Don’t miss the Maison du Sabot in Trans-la-Forêt, a one-of-a-kind museum that traces the history of craftsmanship around the Breton clog. An ideal getaway for lovers of local history and bucolic walks.

1. Discover Pleine-Fougères

Classified as a Commune du Patrimoine Rural de Bretagne, owes its name to a plant that grows there in abundance: Pleine-Fougères. The Roche Buquet megalith attests that the site has been inhabited for 5 millennia. The washhouse, which represents the time when the women of the village used to get together to do their washing, or the church, with its paving or the manoir des Chauffault and many other curiosities.

2. La Maison du Sabot

This museum space, located in Trans-la-Forêt, is dedicated to Ferdinand Laigle, the region’s last clog maker and the making of wooden clogs. At the turn of the century, the Villecartier forest, like other major forests, was home to many families who made their living from logging.

Go on a discovery!

3. The church in Broualan

The church in the commune of Broualan dates back to the 15th century, dedicated to Notre-Dame de-Toutes-Joies, it is listed as a Historic Monument. One legend attributes its creation to a lady from Landal, in fulfilment of a vow made by her to obtain the return of her husband, but it seems more likely that it was raised by the generosity of the local inhabitants.

4. Vieux Viel

Vieux-Viel lies on the ridgeline, commonly known as “the dead cliff”, up to which the sea reached in the secondary era. The origin of the name Vieux-Viel probably comes from “VETUS VIA” (= old way), referring to the Roman road. The village’s history is mainly linked to agricultural life.