Plédran: Hiking and Heritage

When deciding whether to visit Plédran, it is worth looking at its trails, Bois de Plédran and several historic buildings. The outdoor options differ in length and format; details such as architectural features, former functions and protection dates help distinguish the different highlights of the cultural monuments.

Trails and woodland on different scales

La coulée verte is a fully signposted hiking trail, 5 km long, around Plédran. Bois de Plédran has a 2-km circular trail with activities for families. In terms of length, the woodland loop is three kilometres shorter. This gives you two distinct options: a longer signposted hiking route and a shorter loop with activities.

The area given for Bois de Plédran adds another point of comparison: the woodland covers 132 ha, while 2 km refers to the length of the circular trail. Area and route length therefore describe different measurements. This makes it clear which figure refers to the woodland and which to the trail. If you compare route lengths, there is a three-kilometre difference between the two routes; they also differ in format, as one is a hiking trail and the other a circular trail.

Chapelle de Créhac: flooring and the history of religious orders

The floor of Chapelle de Créhac is made entirely of old gravestones. Crosses are carved in relief into the granite. A decree dated 17 December 1926 granted partial protection as a historic monument to the gravestone flooring. This protection applies to the flooring.

The chapel’s history includes its former function as a commandery of the Knights Templar and, later, of the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. Two different aspects therefore stand out at Chapelle de Créhac: the distinctive design of its floor and its historical association with both orders.

Architectural features of Château de Craffault

The architectural features described at Château de Craffault can be distinguished by period. The main building includes a right-hand section of the façade dating from the 16th century and a left-hand section from the 17th century. A pavilion containing the main staircase probably dates from the 15th century. The pavilion’s date is explicitly described as probable.

A decree dated 9 May 1990 granted protection as historic monuments to the residential building, the moats and the foundations of the entrance gatehouse. This list specifies the protected elements; it should be distinguished from the dates given for the façade sections and the pavilion.

Pont Chéra and other monuments

Pont Chéra consists of two masonry arches resting on a stone pier and is characteristic of the Gallo-Roman period. The former road connecting Aleth (“Saint-Malo”) and Vorgium (“Carhaix”) crossed the Urne via this bridge. Pont Chéra’s architectural form and its former function along the route are therefore both noteworthy.

Other listed monuments in Plédran include the covered gallery of La Roche Cadio and the Menhir de la Touche-Bude. The decree listing La Roche Cadio as a historic monument is dated 22 July 1964; for the menhir, it is dated 29 June 1965. Together with the information on Chapelle de Créhac and Château de Craffault, these details offer specific points of reference if you are interested in Plédran’s architectural and local history.

Discover more destinations: Penvénan, Le Foeil, Le Gouray, Mantallot, Morieux, Guenroc, Plufur, Plouha

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