Discover Canihuel

Canihuel brings together a range of interests for a trip: sacred architectural history, menhirs, time at Étang du Pélinec and horse racing. Historical dates and measurements give the cultural sites concrete detail, while leisure activities take centre stage at the pond and racecourse. You can choose your focus, from architectural and monument history to fishing or attending an event.

Churches, chapels and local history

The Notre-Dame Church in Canihuel is an example of 15th-century architecture and is classified as a historic monument. Its construction records refer to several building components and dates: the tower base and choir were under construction in 1393; the nave, low transept and false transept were completed in 1474. For a cultural-history focus, the church therefore offers a specific timeline rather than just a general date.

The Chapelle de la Trinité, also known as the Chapelle de Saint-Drumé, was built around 1450 and lies on the watershed between the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. The ruins of the former Chapelle de la Trinité were listed as a historic monument by decree of 29 March 1972. The Grotte de la Sainte-Vierge and the washhouse are also near the town centre. The grotto was inaugurated on 9 July 1950.

Menhirs of different dimensions

The Menhir de Goresto measures 5.60 m and is made of local granite. It is visible from the public road and was listed as a historic monument by decree of 22 July 1969. More measurements are given for the Menhir de Bodquelen: the stone dates from the Neolithic period, is made of coarse-grained granite, and is 3.80 m high, 2.38 m wide and 2.20 m thick. In 1969 it was added to the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.

The height measurements allow a direct comparison: at 5.60 m, Goresto is 1.80 m taller than Bodquelen. At Bodquelen, the width and thickness complement the height measurement and give a more precise picture of the menhir’s dimensions. The protection listings also differ: both date from 1969, but refer to differently designated listings.

Étang du Pélinec and horse racing

Étang du Pélinec is an 11-hectare body of water on the Sulon. A walking path runs around the pond, where people regularly fish. This makes two different activities the focus by the water: walking the path around the pond or fishing. Experienced anglers can also try a specialist course for carp and pike fishing.

The Hippodrome du Petit Paris lies between the communes of Canihuel and Le Haut-Corlay and offers horse racing as a visitor experience. Today, it also provides facilities for dressage and racehorse training. The racecourse holds gallop races several times a year. At the pond, visitors can choose between walking and fishing; at the racecourse, the options are equestrian activities and races.

Dates to help plan your trip

The Pardon de Canihuel takes place every year on the second Sunday in July. The exact calendar date changes from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the date for the year you intend to travel; it is also worth checking the event schedule for gallop races. This way, you can take into account both the annual Pardon and the races held several times a year when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pludual, Trémuson, Saint-Igeaux, Trévé, Plémet, Pledeliac, Hengoat, Trégastel

For the main travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.