Louvigné-Du-Désert: Hiking and granite history

Louvigné-Du-Désert combines marked trails, granite history and architectural landmarks. When looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around the themes that interest you most: hiking, the extraction of grey-blue granite, or the architectural history of individual chapels and manor houses. The options range from a clearly defined hiking route to remarkable architectural details.

Hiking and granite history

The marked Chemin de mémoire(s) is eight kilometres long and runs through Louvigné-du-Désert. It leads to places connected with the municipality’s granite history. The route thus links a specific walking trail with a local historical theme. At eight kilometres, it can be included in your plans as a dedicated activity.

Another named trail is the Circuit de la Morinais. It passes the carrière de la Morinais, and several quarries line the circuit. This brings two hiking themes together: the historical connections of the Chemin de mémoire(s) and the quarry landscape along the Circuit de la Morinais.

Granite extraction and landscape

The carrière de la Morinais extracts Louvigné’s grey-blue granite across 18 hectares. The granite history is thus complemented by the industrial extraction of the stone. The quarry is a specific landmark along the Circuit de la Morinais, which passes by it.

Another landscape highlight is the Rocher Saint-Guillaume. It lies at the highest point of Montlouvier, at 184 metres, and offers sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. Here, a specific elevation and a wide-ranging view come together: the Rocher marks the highest point of Montlouvier while also opening up a panorama of the surrounding area.

Architectural heritage and sacred history

The Manoir des Alleux is a unique monumental manor house in Louvigné-du-Désert. Its architectural features include a stair tower and a square tower. These two tower forms give the building distinct, recognisable details.

The dates associated with the Chapelle Saint-Jean are also clearly distinct: it was built in 1540 on a sacred site dating from 1150. The year 1150 refers to the older sacred site, while 1540 refers to the construction of the chapel.

The village of La Clémençais preserves remarkable architectural features from the 17th century, including round-arched doors and chamfered window openings. These forms make the building’s history tangible through individual details. The Manoir de la Morinais is also part of the municipality’s remarkable heritage.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Planty houses three statues from Bogotá and two depictions of Saint Lawrence. Together with the manor houses, the Chapelle Saint-Jean and the architectural features of La Clémençais, the chapel broadens the picture of Louvigné-du-Désert’s varied historical landmarks.

Market and planning your stay

The market in Louvigné-du-Désert features around 15 different food and non-food vendors. If you would like to include the market in your day’s plans, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Villamée, Saint-Étienne-en-Coglès, Gaël, Pacé, Bonnemain, Vezin-Le-Coquet, Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault, Gosné

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