Hénansal: Archaeology, Architecture and Walks

Get to know Hénansal through its landscape, archaeological traces and buildings spanning several centuries. There are also walking options for different timeframes, from a signposted circular route to multi-day donkey walks. These topics give you different starting points for planning your stay.

Landscape and orientation

Two plateaus define Hénansal, separated by a distinctive change in elevation. From the town centre, the view stretches far east to the Menez in the distance. The town thus combines a clearly defined topography with a sweeping panorama. The RD 768 is also important for getting around the region: it connects Lamballe with Plancoët and forms Hénansal’s main access route.

Archaeological traces from several periods

The archaeological remains from several periods include a wide variety of sites. The Roche aux Fées near La Ville-Bellanger is a Neolithic covered passage. The tumuli of Surtoué are among Hénansal’s oldest archaeological remains. La Motte Rouge is a settlement and fortified site from the 13th century AD; Duretal, in turn, is a medieval motte, or fortified earthwork mound dating from the Middle Ages. At the Frémur, an archaeological site in Hénansal forms a semicircle 700 metres long. Together, these places illustrate the time span covered by local archaeological evidence, although they do not all belong to the same period or type of site.

Grange, church and manor houses

The Cistercian grange of Saint-Maleu in Hénansal is a monastic grange, a farm and a pastoral complex. It is mentioned in the cartulary of Saint-Aubin-des-Bois Abbey in 1260. The surviving residential complex comprises a square courtyard and three buildings arranged around it. The church of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Jean-Baptiste reflects a different time span: this historic building dates from the 15th to the 19th century and was partly rebuilt between 1837 and 1840. The south portal and choir windows date from 1509. The church also houses a polychrome wooden crucifix from the 15th to 16th century and a statue of Saint Sebastian from the 17th century.

Individual buildings add to this picture. The Croix de Pilody wayside cross dates from 1409; its inscription names Gautier and the rector Eude. The Manoir de la Vigne was built by the La Vigne family in the 16th century and bears their coat of arms. The Manoir du Maupas dates from 1632. The architectural heritage thus ranges from religious and agricultural sites to manor houses and a dated wayside cross.

Milling history and walks

The Saint-Gueltas grain mill was rebuilt around 1913 and ceased operation around 1939, at the start of the Second World War. It used hydropower and thermal energy from a producer-gas engine. Using millstones, the mill produced bread for sale. These details place Saint-Gueltas within the local history of industry and production.

For a walk with a set distance, consider Du champs au bois: this 15-kilometre circular route runs from Lamballe-Armor to Hénansal via the Chemin de Saint-Alban. It is rated easy, with a stated duration of four hours. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Refuge de Cœurs à Cœurs in Hénansal offers guided and independent donkey walks seasonally, from half-day outings to five-day trips. It provides suitable IGN maps and Topoguides for these walks. When planning, you can compare the stated duration of the circular route with the different durations of the donkey walks and choose the activity that fits the time you have available.

Discover more destinations: Pommerit-Jaudy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Le Leslay, Troguéry, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bois, Pleubian, Pabu, Saint-Martin-Des-Prés.

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