La Gouesnière: Trails in Bois Renou and heritage in Bonaban

For a stay in La Gouesnière, you can explore three different themes: trails in Bois Renou, the art history of Notre-Dame and the architecture of Bonaban. When planning, first decide whether nature trails, culture or activities during the school holidays are your priority.

Two trails in Bois Renou

Bois Renou has a 2.5-kilometre star-shaped orienteering course and a 1.5-kilometre environmental discovery trail focused on animals and trees. The two activities differ in both length and focus: the longer course centres on orienteering, while the shorter one focuses on animals and trees. If you are planning to do one of the courses, check the course details locally. Download the relevant map before you set out and print it in A4 landscape format.

Mountain bike circuit and grotto

Mountain bike circuit no. 5, “Les Conquérants”, passes through Bois Renou. It includes landscapes between Mont-Saint-Michel Bay and the Rance Valley; the route also recommends a detour on foot to the Grotte de la Vierge. There is a statue of the Virgin Mary in the grotto. Before setting out, check the current trail conditions and signage. This distinguishes the circuit from the two activities in Bois Renou: it adds a mountain bike route and the recommended detour to the grotto.

Notre-Dame: building history and art

The parish church of Notre-Dame was rebuilt in the 17th century. Permission for the work was requested in 1660, and the church was solemnly consecrated on 31 August 1664. The exceptional main altar retable was commissioned in 1666. The side altars also contain two marble statues by the Genoese sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino. A municipal closure notice concerns access to the interior. Take it into account when planning your visit and check the access arrangements in force beforehand.

Bonaban: château, chapel and remembrance

The Château de Bonaban is privately owned. Features that remain include towers at every corner, a façade with eleven bays, a seigneurial dovecote and an oratory. Saint-Malo’s 2025 tourism programme listed guided tours of the interiors and grounds by reservation, as well as self-guided visits to the grounds. Check the current opening arrangements before making plans.

The Level family’s burial chapel was built in 1866; an old tidal mill also exists in Bonaban. The “Mémoires Saint-Patrick” association promotes remembrance of Saint Patrick, who lived in the 5th century at the site of Bannavem Tiburniae. This site became Bonaban and is now part of La Gouesnière. The château, burial chapel, mill and this remembrance offer different starting points for a stay focused on cultural history.

Activities for different interests

Écuries du Moulin offers riding lessons and trail rides for children and adults. Ask them directly about current availability before booking. During the school holidays, Garance et Mélusine runs short workshops on making dreamcatchers, weaving and plant-based dyeing. Confirm the dates before your visit.

Musique Ensemble offers music lessons for children, young people and adults of all levels. The programme includes individual lessons for guitar, bass and ukulele; other instruments may be available on request. Confirm participation and availability with the association beforehand. The activities also differ in how they need to be planned: workshop dates are key during the school holidays, while music lessons require you to agree on the instrument you want to learn.

Plan your journey and hotel search

The Rennes–Saint-Malo railway line crosses the northern part of La Gouesnière for four kilometres. If you are considering travelling by train, check the current passenger timetable for your chosen day. If you are staying during the school holidays, make sure the confirmed workshop dates fit your travel dates.

Discover other destinations: La Chapelle-Des-Fougeretz, Betton, Messac, Louvigné-Du-Désert, Montours, Montfort-Sur-Meu, Grand-Fougeray, Domloup

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