Baguer-Pican: Circuit de la Mancelière and Cultural Heritage

Baguer-Pican brings together a clearly described circular route and insights into local architectural and religious history. The Circuit de la Mancelière leads to historic sites and through wetlands; chapels, a liturgical cross and a painting tell of other facets of the area’s cultural heritage. You can shape your stay around a hike or focus on individual historical themes.

Walking the Circuit de la Mancelière

The Circuit de la Mancelière is an easy 11.1-kilometre walking route, with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The circular route starts at the car park by the church in Baguer-Pican. The time given is a guide for planning, but remains an estimate. If you would like to take breaks along the way, allow extra time for them.

Part of the route follows a Roman road. It also crosses several wetlands, considered ecological treasures. This brings two distinct themes together along the route: historic routeways and landscape. Ground conditions can vary by season; check current trail conditions before setting out.

Chapelle Saint-Gilles and Choiseul

The route leads to the Chapelle Saint-Gilles near La Mancelière. The present-day chapel is the third to stand at this site and was rebuilt in 1790. A religious tradition passed down over time is also part of its history: on Saint-Gilles Day, 1 September, children were brought to the chapel to receive a blessing for protection from fear. This was a historical practice, not a statement about visits or celebrations today.

Choiseul is also a named point of interest on the route. A monument there commemorates the 15,000 victims of the Battle of Dol-de-Bretagne.

Another testament is La Croix Badet, a liturgical cross erected in 1955 to bless the fields. As a religious symbol, it differs from the chapels and the monument: it connects the landscape with a specific blessing tradition.

Manor house and art in Baguer-Pican

The Manoir de la Mancellière was built around 1500. The date of a later building phase for its chapel can only be stated tentatively: it may have been rebuilt after 1812, reusing the western portal.

The painting “Mise au tombeau,” a copy of José de Ribera’s “La Déposition du Christ,” is housed in the Church of Saint-Martin. The state donated the painting in 1876; it is a protected movable cultural asset. Together with the buildings and the circular route, it offers another perspective on local heritage—this time through a painting and its history.

Horse riding as another activity

Les Écuries de la Mancelière welcomes visitors in Baguer-Pican. Its offerings include trail rides, lessons, competitions and leisure activities. They are open to riders aged two and over, from beginners to experienced riders, and cover both leisure riding and competition. This provides an alternative to walking. As the programme may change, check which activities are currently available before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Luitré, Torcé, Beaucé, Saint-Père, Saint-M'hervé, La Guerche-de-Bretagne, Miniac-Morvan, Feins.

For the regional travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.