Evran: Châteaux, Mills and Canal

In Evran, two themes come together to help you plan your trip: the architectural history of several named buildings and the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance. The historic sites include destruction and reconstruction, later extensions and a long-standing religious dedication. Leisure boats and barges moor along the banks of the canal in Evran.

Château history: destruction and reconstruction

The Château de Beaumanoir was rebuilt in 1628 by the Peschart family, after the earlier château was destroyed during the Wars of the Catholic League in the 16th century. Destruction and reconstruction thus mark two distinct historical periods. The château is classified as a historic monument and is open to the public. If visiting it is important to your plans, check access in advance.

Mills and manor houses through the ages

The Moulin du Mottay was also rebuilt after a fire: the fire dates to 1878, and the reconstruction to the end of the 19th century. The mill has retained its waterwheel. The year of the fire, the reconstruction and the waterwheel each offer a different clue to the mill’s history—from a specific event to a surviving feature.

The Château du Mottay, also known as Mottais, dates from the 16th to the 19th century. After a fire in the 19th century, it was largely rebuilt. Its architectural history therefore spans several centuries; the reconstruction was another important turning point, but not the only point of reference in its history.

The oldest parts of the Manoir de la Touche date from the late 16th century. The manor house was extended in the first half of the 17th century and altered again in the 19th century. Older parts thus stand alongside later modifications. This is a different sequence from the post-fire reconstruction described for the Moulin du Mottay and the Château du Mottay.

Church and Croix Macquerel

The Église Saint Pierre has been dedicated under this name since 1156. Its architectural history includes its construction around 1827 by Joseph Delion and alterations around 1847 by Jean Baptiste Delarocheaulion. The dedication dating from 1156 should be distinguished from the 19th-century building phases: these details relate to different aspects of the church’s history.

The Croix Macquerel is a cross dating from the 16th century. It is located on Avenue du Mottay, also known as the road to Plesder. It adds another historic landmark to the architectural histories of the château, mill, manor house and church.

The Canal d’Ille-et-Rance and “A dimanche sur le canal”

Leisure boats and barges moor along the banks of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance in Evran; activity may vary by season. The canal is another defining feature of the town, alongside its buildings. The “A dimanche sur le canal” programme includes a market featuring local creatives and craftspeople, food served on site by participating associations and partner traders, and canoe and kayak trips on the canal.

The event programme and food offerings may change. Check the dates and current programme before making plans. The main attractions are easy to distinguish: the buildings tell the stories of different historical periods, while the “A dimanche sur le canal” activities are tied to specific event dates.

Discover more destinations: Trédarzec, Plédran, Trédrez-Locquémeau, Tréméreuc, Plémet, Broons, Lanrivain, La Bouillie

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