Treasure n°8The must-sees of the Joyaux de la Rance

©Vue Aerienne Saint Suliac Alexandre Lamoureux 37|alexandre lamoureux

The must-see jewels of the Rance

Must-see treasures: the jewels of the Rance; enjoy the calm of the Rance between land and sea, and step back in time in the village of Saint-Suliac, with the history of the tide mills and the Viking camp!

Set sail on the Rance!

The undulating alchemy

The Rance Valley is a treasure trove that will surprise you every time. From Saint-Malo, head up the estuary, stopping off at Saint-Suliac, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France®. Discover the tide mills, the Viking camp, the dories, the boats of the Terre-neuvas…
Your route will be set with simple emotions and picturesque encounters.
All these jewels can be discovered on foot, by bike, on horseback or by boat, at your own pace, these treasures will not disappear. We care about them, we’ll preserve them.

Good to know!

Saint-Suliac, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France®

1. Les ruettes de Saint-Suliac

Saint-Suliac can be visited on foot, strolling along the ruettes; you’ll discover arched doorways, lintelled windows, thatched-roof houses, all architectural features that make the village of Saint-Suliac so rich!
Information panels dotted around the village offer a presentation rich in anecdotes and embellished with old illustrations.

©Rues Et Ruettes St Suliac Simon Bourcier 13454|©simonbourcier.com

©©Thibault Poriel - Saint-Suliac|©Thibault Poriel

2. The Viking Camp

Remains of the Viking Camp: In the Vigneux cove, stone foundations have been discovered: the enclosure known as the “Huitrière de Garrot” was exploited in 1883 by an oyster farmer; the breach opened in the enclosure leaves doubt as to the presence of a “Viking Camp listed as a Historic Monument n 1986… which would have housed the drakkars sheltered on the landward side.

3. Tidal Mills

Subject to the rhythm of the tide, the River Rance was conducive to the construction of tidal mills. The precursors of today’s tidal power plant, the mills were built during the 19th century. The energy of the tides was used to grind wheat: a reservoir was filled with water and when the tide went out, the water turned the mill wheel. Moulin Quinard: Built in 1806, the mill was fitted with a steam engine at the end of the 19th century; it ceased operating in 1924. It was one of the largest mills on the banks of the Rance. Moulin de Beauchet: Originally made entirely of wood, it was rebuilt in stone after a fire. The mill, its mechanism and its dyke are listed as Historic Monuments.

©Saint Jouan Des Guerets Coucher De Soleil Sur Les Bords De Rance Smbmsm 455|smbmsm

©Saint Jouan Des Guerets Ponton De La Plage Du Vallion Smbmsm 484|smbmsm

4. La plage du Vallion

Located in the commune of Saint-Jouan des Guerêts, le Vallion is a small country beach on the banks of the Rance. The beach is embellished with a wooden pontoon and offers pretty views of the other bank of the Rance.

5. Navigating on the Rance

Starting at the tidal power plant, set off to meet the banks of the river Rance. You’ll see old shipyards and fishing ports alive with the comings and goings of boats. There are plenty of walks to choose from, so take your time navigating the Rance – a life-size change of scenery is just around the corner!

©Balade En Rance St Suliac Yann Langevin 13674|Yann Langevin

©Equitation Saint-Suliac|©AlexandreLamoureux

6. Riding near the Oratoire de Grainfollet

A unique ride to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Rance with your mount. The Oratoire de Grainfollet, like a belvedere over the Rance estuary, will allow you to disconnect and reconnect with your horse.