Crehen Between History and Landscape

Crehen offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: a collective burial site from the Neolithic period, buildings from different historical eras, and trails associated with the former railway line and the Arguenon estuary. Depending on their interests, visitors can focus their trip on archaeology, church and architectural history, or landscape. Each place and trail theme has its own emphasis.

Archaeology and Architectural History

The Allée couverte de la Ville Génouhan is a 12.70-metre-long collective burial site in Crehen. It dates from the Neolithic period, which here is placed between 5,800 and 2,500 BC. The site is considered one of the most significant dolmens in the eastern part of the Côtes-d’Armor department. Its length, function and dating give the site a clear archaeological profile.

The church of Saint-Pierre de Cherehen also has a long documented history: it was first mentioned in 1163, when it belonged to Saint-Jacut Abbey. The year refers to its first mention, not its construction date. In Le Guildo, the former Carmelite monastery took the place of a collegiate church founded by Charles de Dinan in the early 15th century. It served to shelter and support poor people and pilgrims. One building from the mid-17th century remains of the monastery. The community’s Grande Chapelle in Crehen was built in 1899.

Another historic building is the Manoir dit château de la Touche-à-la-Vache. The remains of a 15th-century keep survive there; in 1926, it was added to the supplementary list of historic monuments. The estate is privately owned and is currently used as a farm. The Château du Guildo is separate: it is listed as a historic monument and is open free of charge all year round. Check local conditions before visiting.

Trails and Landscape along the Arguenon

A footpath runs along the former railway line between Crehen and Le Guildo. In 1991, a first section was named Allée Kilmore-Quay to mark the municipality’s twinning with an Irish fishing village. The year refers to the naming of this section. The “Autour de l’Arguenon maritime” route has a different thematic focus: it takes in the green corners and historic heritage of the Arguenon estuary. For planning purposes, the difference is clear between a specifically named footpath connection and a route that brings together the estuary’s landscape and history. Check local conditions for the footpath before your trip.

The Domaine du Château du Guildo in Crehen is also part of the landscape. This 5.36-hectare Natura 2000 site includes coastal woodland, dunes, salt marshes and mudflats. These varied habitats give nature its own place alongside architectural and archaeological history. Together with the historic heritage of the Arguenon estuary, they offer another perspective on Crehen: the focus extends beyond individual buildings and their history to include landscape features and their diversity.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Gilles-Du-Mené, Coatascorn, Plélan-Le-Petit, Runan, Plounérin, Langrolay-Sur-Rance, Plessix-Balisson, Mûr-De-Bretagne.

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