Discover Cuguen

Cuguen brings together traces of different periods: a Neolithic menhir at La Butte, the history of the Château de La Roche-Montbourcher and the Chapelle de Lantiman. A circular trail links the megalithic heritage with the surrounding countryside; a garden and other historic memorials add to the themes. You can shape your stay around cultural history, architecture or nature watching.

Menhir, Local Legend and Circular Trail

The Menhir dit La Pierre-Longue is a Neolithic monument at La Butte in Cuguen. The stone stands 6.50 metres high and has been classified as a Monument historique since 1889. It was Christianised in the 19th century. A local legend tells that the cross on its tip prevented the devil from carrying the stone away and using it to build his temple in the heath at Rochefort near Trémeheuc. Here, the monument’s great age, its later Christianisation and the local story come together—different perspectives on the same stone.

The Circuit du Menhir de La Butte is a circular trail through the countryside, offering a chance to discover Cuguen’s megalithic heritage. An easy mountain biking route and an easy horse-riding route are also designated for the circuit. The sports ground on the D285 in Cuguen is given as a landmark; check the signs before setting out. Several waterbird species find habitat at the pond along the trail: mallards, shovelers, wigeons, swans, herons, coots and little egrets. Their presence is seasonal, so opportunities for observation may vary depending on the time of year.

Castle, Chapel and Memorials

The Château de La Roche-Montbourcher combines a turbulent history with a complex layout. Saint-Luc besieged it in 1590, captured and looted it; in 1595, it was demolished by order. The trapezoidal defensive area included a keep, a manor house that has since disappeared and an eastern bailey. The latter was surrounded by earthworks, with round tower bases at the corners. The site stood at the edge of a rocky plateau above a narrow, long valley. Ditches were dug to create an artificially enclosed rocky promontory—the fortification was therefore not simply a natural barrier.

The Chapelle de Lantiman is the only surviving one of the four chapels that belonged to the parish of Cuguen before the French Revolution. Its survival sets it apart from the other three chapels in this former group. The Croix de La Plihonnière also commemorates a specific person: it was erected in memory of a local resident who was killed in the First World War. The chapel and the cross thus represent different periods—the earlier parish history on the one hand, and a wartime memorial on the other.

Garden Visits by Request

The Jardin de La Péfolière is an English-style garden covering almost two hectares. Plants found there include rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, roses and dogwoods. Visits are possible by request. If you would like to include the garden in your stay, request a visit in advance. The menhir, trail, historic buildings and garden each offer a distinct focus; together, they provide different ways to explore Cuguen’s cultural heritage and countryside.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-De-Brain, Guipry, Mouazé, Acigné, Saint-Rémy-Du-Plain, Ercé-près-Liffré, Trans-La-Forêt, Brie.

Go to the main travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.