Epiniac: Hiking, Landscapes and Heritage

Epiniac offers several distinct points of interest for a trip: a hiking route with a clearly stated distance, the landscape of the Parc de la Higourdais, and the history of its churches and villages. If you are looking for a hotel in Epiniac, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. The Circuit de La Croix de Pierre is listed as 8.0 kilometres long; the park and churches offer different points of interest.

Landscape in the Parc de la Higourdais

The Parc de la Higourdais near Epiniac lies in a wooded valley and extends across three municipalities. Two ponds follow one another, and the green landscape is criss-crossed by numerous sunken lanes. Together, these features create a different impression from a single hiking route with a specified length. If you would like to drive to the park, it can be reached via the D85, which links Epiniac and Cuguen. Check local road information before setting off.

The Circuit de La Croix de Pierre

The Circuit de La Croix de Pierre starts in Epiniac and is 8.0 kilometres long. Its route passes through the countryside of Epiniac and the «des Landes» municipal forest before reaching La Croix de Pierre. Along the way, you will see numerous old granite crosses. The circular route therefore combines a clearly stated distance with specific landscape and historical features. The stated length gives you a reference point for fitting the route into your day’s plans; it does not specify a walking time.

Churches and different periods of construction

The parish church of Saint-Pierre in Epiniac was built between 1901 and 1904 to designs by the architect Arthur Regnault. Its architectural style is inspired by 15th-century Cornouaille in Brittany. The stained-glass windows bear the signature of Charles Lorin and are dated 1901 and 1904. The choir contains a 17th-century altarpiece. Thus, the church brings together construction and window dates from the early 20th century with a considerably older furnishing—a useful distinction if you are interested in architecture and historical details.

Saint-Léonard also has its own connection to church history: the village grew up around its church and the surrounding cemetery. Its development is therefore closely linked to this focal point. However, the two churches tell different stories: in Epiniac, the focus is on architectural design and furnishings, while in Saint-Léonard, the village’s growth around the church and cemetery is central.

Architectural heritage and local production

The architectural heritage of the Parc de la Higourdais includes a mill and a bakehouse. Both were once outbuildings of the Manoir de la Higourdais. This historical connection is important to their context: the mill and bakehouse are recorded here as former parts of the estate, not as a statement about their present-day use.

Another local theme is bread production. Le Fournil de la Croix de Pierre makes organic sourdough bread using grain grown on the farm. It is baked in a wood-fired oven. This method of production is distinct from the architectural and landscape themes and offers another possible focus for planning your trip, without implying that a visit or tasting is available.

Concerts and summer market

Concerts featuring the local «Coeur de Vésins» choir are among the events held at Saint-Léonard church. As the concert programme may change, check specific dates before your trip. The Association Détente et Loisirs was founded to enliven the centre of Saint-Léonard with a Sunday summer market for local producers and craftspeople; musicians were intended to accompany the market. If you would like to plan a visit to the market, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Argentré-Du-Plessis, Fougères, Thorigné-Fouillard, Saint-Jean-Sur-Couesnon, Clayes, Villamée, La Fresnais, Sougéal.

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