L'Hermitage: Walking Routes and Heritage

L'Hermitage's character is shaped by its walking routes, a pump track and the CRAPA fitness trail, as well as churches, crosses and traces of its former food and drink production. When looking for a hotel, the mix of outdoor activities and culture you have in mind can be a helpful starting point.

Walking Routes and Activities

The three walking routes can be compared by length and approximate duration. The Le Val route heads towards Saint-Gilles, is 2.5 km long and takes about 40 minutes. The Boucle Sud runs from Boberil towards Bois de la Motte; the 5 km route is listed as taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At 7.5 km and approximately two hours, the Moulin de la Lande route is the longest of the three. Check local route signs before setting out.

The pump track at the end of Rue Jean Bart is designed for mountain bikers, BMX riders and scooter riders of all experience levels. Check access conditions on site. CRAPA is an outdoor fitness trail offering a varied series of physical exercises. As operating details may change, it is advisable to check local conditions before visiting. HAC VTT organises mountain bike tours; check current routes before your trip.

Church, Crosses and Local History

Ten old crosses are scattered throughout the commune. One is near the church and is listed as a historic monument. The Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification dates back to the 11th century and was dedicated to Saint Avit. Its architecture illustrates a development from Romanesque through Neo-Gothic to Neoclassical. The coats of arms of the du Boberil, du Margat and de Méjusseaume families are also features of the church. The story associated with Saint Avit is considered a legend.

Another religious motif appears on the back of the Calvaire du bourg: a crowned Madonna and Child. She is standing and carries the child on her left hip. The Saint-Avit spring is also associated with the legend of Saint Avit and the history of L'Hermitage. Today, near the multicultural centre, it is marked only by a pipe.

Buildings and Former Production

The Laiterie de L'Hermitage has a building with a slate roof and a square tower; its architecture is inspired by the English picturesque style. The cheese dairy, established in 1968, produced 9,000 hand-ladled Camemberts a day. Painted advertising signs bearing the name Cidrerie Tillon remain on the façades of the former Cidrerie Tillon. The former production of the Distillerie de L'Hermitage included cider, apple and pear brandy, and dry pomace.

The Manoir du Boberil was built by the du Boberil family at the end of the 14th century; restoration is under way. Polygonal moats and a small earthwork there are evidence of an older defensive system. The former manor house of the Commanderie features half-timbering. Together, these buildings show different aspects of local history, from medieval structures to traces of former industry.

Getting There and Planning

TER Bretagne trains on the Rennes–La Brohinière–Saint-Brieuc route serve L'Hermitage–Mordelles station. Check the current timetable before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel in L'Hermitage, the approximate duration of the walking routes, the activities on offer and your interest in architectural and industrial history can help you plan the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Thourie, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert, Liffré, Saint-Brice-En-Coglès, Vezin-Le-Coquet, Saint-Onen-La-Chapelle, Les Iffs, Meillac.

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