Discover Luitré: Church, mining heritage and trails

If you are considering Luitré as a destination, a range of interests may influence your decision. Saint-Martin Church represents architectural history, Montbelleux its mining heritage; there are also cycling and walking trails, as well as things to do by the water. Saut-Roland is another distinct focus, with its rocky landscape and climbing. You can therefore weigh up in advance whether you are more interested in architecture, a visit that can be booked, a route or outdoor activities.

Church, tower and historic crosses

Saint-Martin Church has a Latin cross-shaped floor plan, a bell tower with a porch, and a polygonal chancel. The Latin cross floor plan describes the layout of the church; “polygonal” refers to the many-sided shape of the chancel. These terms describe different architectural features: the floor plan, tower and chancel can each be considered distinct architectural elements.

The tower dates from the 12th century and has been restored and altered several times, including in 1701 and 1850. These dates mark later changes to a building of medieval origin. Two crosses also contribute to the historic character of the site: the Calvary in Luitré’s cemetery dates from the 16th century. The granite cross at Bas-Bourg, on the road to Fougères, has a shaft and chamfered arms; these features date it to the 16th or 17th century.

Montbelleux mining heritage

La Mine de Montbelleux brings together industrial heritage and a prominent feature of the landscape: the headframe stands on the hilltop and can be seen from several kilometres away. You can book guided tours of the mining site through the 3M Montbelleux association. The association welcomes groups, including hikers and school classes. If you are planning a group visit, check the booking arrangements before you travel.

Pond and rocky landscape

Etang des Rochers in Luitré is open to everyone. You can walk or jog along its landscaped, planted banks. A permit is required for fishing in the pond and is sold at Welcome's Bar. As sales arrangements may change, it is best to check in advance how to obtain one. Walking, jogging and fishing are therefore different ways to enjoy the same pond, with a permit required for fishing.

Saut-Roland is a 40-hectare Espace Naturel Sensible owned by the Ille-et-Vilaine Department. Quartz cliffs and the rocky landscape along the Saint-Blaise River define this natural area. The Saut-Roland rock has 96 climbing routes. If you are planning a climb, take route conditions into account as you prepare and check them in advance, as they may change.

Walking loop or cycling route

The routes come in two different formats: the Circuit du chevalier Roland walking loop links Luitré and Dompierre and can be started in Luitré. The blue Circuit vélo bleu cycling route is 24.4 kilometres long and can be started in the centre of Luitré. There is a carpooling and motorhome parking area on Route de Fougères. The relevant details differ when comparing the two routes: for the walking loop, the link between the towns and the option to start in Luitré; for the cycling route, its length and the option to start in the town centre.

Whether you are more interested in architectural history, a visit that can be booked, a walk, cycling or the landscape by the water and rocks makes a difference to your travel plans. For visits and the activities mentioned, check the relevant practical arrangements before finalising your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ercé-près-Liffré, Landéan, Le Theil-De-Bretagne, Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, Vendel, Saint-Domineuc, Eancé, Le Tronchet.

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