Discover La Richardais: Art, Nature and the Rance

La Richardais combines sculpture and the history of technology with coastal paths, nature watching and activities on the water. Which of these appeals to you most can shape the focus of your stay.

Art, Technology and Maritime History

Sculptor Pierre Manoli came to La Richardais in 1975; fire was one of his most important sculpting techniques. The Musée Manoli is located in his former home and studio. Nearly 200 works can be seen there across several rooms and a wooded garden. The programme includes temporary exhibitions, guided tours, culinary visits and educational workshops. These activities take place throughout the year by prior reservation; it is best to check availability in advance.

At the Espace EDF Odyssélec, interactive exhibitions complement the panoramic view of the turbine hall at the Rance tidal power station. A guided tour lasts one hour and covers the station’s construction history and how it works. If you are interested in a tour, check the dates in advance. An outdoor route, freely accessible to visitors, provides information about the site; from there, you can watch boats passing through the lock. Check the site’s access conditions before your visit.

The Church of Saint-Clément is also a sight to see: Xavier de Langlais designed it as one of seventeen churches. Six bunkers can be seen on Rue des Hurettes and Rue de la Sapinière. The Organisation Todt built them in 1943/1944 as part of the Atlantic Wall. The old fishing boat LE CHASSEUR can also be seen on the quay: built in La Richardais in 1931, this mackerel fishing boat is 6.13 m long and 2.37 m wide. The Guerlavas shipyard built it for Monsieur Jean Lucas of Pleurtuit.

Nature, Paths and Views

On the mudflats of the Anse des Grandes Rivières, you can watch birds foraging. The cove lies within a Natura 2000 site. The Pointe du Grognet offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Rance estuary and is also a shady spot for walks. A path through the Vallée Hourdel runs through a wooded valley where you can observe local wildlife and plant life. Freshwater fishing is possible at the Étang de la Garde.

The Entre Terre et Mer route starts in La Richardais and is 7.0 km long. It leads to the Anse des Grandes Rivières and the Barrage de la Rance. The route follows the GR®34C coastal path towards the dam, passes behind the ferry terminal and uses an underground pedestrian passage at the lock. Check the tide and access conditions before setting out. For a cycling trip, Du centre-ville à la campagne also starts in La Richardais; the route is 6.6 km long. The GR®P from La Richardais to Le Minihic-sur-Rance starts at the car park at the Barrage de la Rance in La Richardais.

Water Activities

The Centre Nautique de La Richardais offers sailing and rowing courses, as well as rental of windsurf boards, dinghies, catamarans, sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. If you are planning a particular activity or rental, check current availability in advance.

The Anse du Moulin Neuf anchorage lies between the two banks at the mouth of the Étanchet stream and is very well sheltered from the wind and choppy water. Along with the courses and rental options, this sheltered area offers another way to enjoy water sports in La Richardais.

Discover more destinations: Lohuec, Perret, Léhon, Plessix-Balisson, Coëtlogon, Canihuel, Saint-James, Camlez.

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