Caulnes: Historic Crosses and Moulin des Prés at a Branch of the Rance

Caulnes offers several points of interest to help you plan your stay: a church that is partly protected as a historic monument, crosses from different centuries, the Moulin des Prés at a branch of the Rance, and a producers’ market. The Roman road that linked Corseul with Durétie is also part of the town’s history. If you are looking for a hotel in Caulnes, these different themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Church and Historic Buildings

The Church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul is partly listed as a Monument historique. It has architectural elements dating from the late 15th or 16th century. Another date can be seen on the bell tower porch: it bears the date 1769. The church therefore reflects different periods of construction, rather than a single building phase.

At the Manoir du Verger, the façades and roofs have been protected as historic monuments since 1980. This protection specifically applies to these parts of the building. Caulnes also has several historic crosses, each with its own form: the church calvary is a covered cross dating from the 15th century. Its figures depict the Virgin Mary, Christ and other figures. La croix du Verger, also dating from the 15th century, is recognizable by its double crossbar. La croix de la Maladrie dates from the 16th century and is probably located near a maladrerie (leper hospital).

Cemetery and Notable Graves

The cemetery in Caulnes also has specific historical points of interest. The Carré religieux contains the remains of former parish priests. The graves of the “Romantic Couple” are shaped like granite coffins and are topped by two humped crosses. Before visiting, check whether the cemetery grounds are accessible.

The Rance, the Mill and Walking Trails

The Moulin des Prés stands at a branch of the Rance known as the “Rance des moulins.” The mill is accessible and, since 2024, has been included in walking trails and guided tours with commentary. As access and restoration status may change, check the visiting conditions in advance.

Another way to explore the crosses is the Circuit des croix. It leads to six crosses and offers a chance to discover the rural landscapes of the municipality. The route combines visits to several historic sites with views of the surrounding area. Check the route conditions before setting out.

Producers’ Market and Planning Your Stay

The AMAP “Marché de producteurs” runs a producers’ market where visitors can sample new products and talk about how they are made. A municipal description dated January 4, 2024, gives the second Monday of each month as the market day. Check the current date before travelling.

The January 2024 description lists vegetables, honey, eggs, ice cream, fresh pasta, mushrooms, beer, bread, brioche and biscuits among the products on offer. Individual vendors and products may change. The market therefore offers a distinct point of interest alongside the buildings, cemetery and walking trails. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider which of these aspects of Caulnes is most appealing for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Tréglamus, La Bouillie, Saint-Martin-Des-Prés, Laniscat, Callac, Lanrelas, Crehen, Le Vieux-Marché

For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.