Discover Lanhélin

Lanhélin brings together granite, art and architectural history. The ground beneath the town consists mainly of granite; blue granite is also visible in sculptures, houses, the church and the local crosses. This material provides a common thread linking the Jardin de Granit, religious buildings and paths that invite you to explore the granite landscape. This gives you a clear focus when choosing a destination: you can connect art, historic details and outdoor activities.

Granite in Art and Landscape

The Jardin de Granit features 16 monumental sculptures by Breton, French and international artists. The idea for the garden came from two sculpture symposiums held in 1993 and 1994. Admission is free, and it is open year-round. The garden is therefore a practical starting point if you are interested in the connection between sculpture and local granite.

The Circuit du Granit Bleu starts at the Jardin de Granit and invites you to discover Lanhélin’s blue granite landscape. The route can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. In addition, the town offers seven circular routes for walking, horse riding or mountain biking, allowing you to explore the granite massif of Lanhélin and Saint-Pierre-de-Plesguen. The descriptions have different emphases: the Circuit specifies its starting point and granite theme, while the seven circular routes cover the wider area of the granite massif.

The Church and Religious Architectural History

Several dated features help place the Église Saint-André in context. It was restored in 1771 and partially rebuilt in the 20th century. Its bell tower dates from 1778, the spire from 1840, and the choir and transept from the 18th century. The dates therefore refer to different elements and phases of construction. The church also houses a Black Madonna from the 17th century.

There are also numerous tomb slabs dating from the Hospitaller period, which can be dated to the 16th and 17th centuries. Another religious site is the Ensemble cultuel de Notre-Dame du Rosaire near Ville Pion. It includes a place of worship dedicated to Notre-Dame de Fatima, as well as several granite monuments. Residents of Lanhélin erected these as votive offerings after the Second World War. The wayside cross known as the “Croix de chemin des Coudrets” also dates from a clearly specified period: it was erected in 1735.

Historic Houses and Farms

Chènedé also offers a distinct perspective on architectural history. The hamlet preserves notable houses from the 17th century as well as several farms from the 19th century. These buildings complement the religious structures by offering another perspective on the history of the area: here, houses and farms take centre stage, while the church, place of worship and wayside cross illustrate the history of religious buildings and monuments. Together with the visible granite and the circular routes, they make this a destination whose highlights you can explore according to your interests in art, architecture or outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Thourie, Talensac, Saint-Père, Villamée, Saint-Méloir-Des-Ondes, Montfort-Sur-Meu, Hédé, Acigné.

For the broader travel guide: Ille-Et-Vilaine.