Montgermont: Wetlands, Walking Trails and History

For a stay in Montgermont, you can focus on nature or local history. The Prairies d’Olivet and the walking routes bring the landscape into focus; the motte, church and manor houses reveal archaeological and architectural traces. There is also a leisure area and cultural events. This allows you to plan your time outdoors, exploring history or attending an event.

The Natural Area of the Prairies d’Olivet

The Prairies d’Olivet is designated as a sensitive natural area of the département (Espace Naturel Sensible, ENS) and has been an LPO protected site since 2011. Surveys have recorded around 50 bird species and more than 100 breeding pairs there. The area comprises a mosaic of wetland habitats: several streams, ponds, floodable woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and willow scrub. Those interested in birdlife will also find the landscape context of the surveys here: water, woodland and open meadows shape this natural area.

Walks and Trails

Montgermont has 15 kilometres of footpaths. Three walks each take about two hours: one explores the rural surroundings, one is a nature walk linked to LPO protected sites, and one cultural heritage walk visits places classified as historic heritage. Their themes are clearly distinct: landscape, nature and history. The approximate duration provides a useful time guide when planning your day.

The Espace Détente

Since 2019, the Espace Détente has included a large green space with children’s play equipment, a mountain bike course, a signposted running route, picnic tables and a barbecue. The facilities range from opportunities for exercise to places to take a break. If you plan to use a particular facility, check the latest information about the Espace Détente in advance, as the facilities may change.

Archaeological and Architectural Heritage

The Montgermont motte is 5 metres high and originally had a diameter of 30 metres. It is an example of early medieval earthworks built by aristocratic families. Parts of it still remain to the west and south of the motte.

The Church of Saint-Martin-de-Tours is documented from 1152. It became a parish church in the early 13th century; in the early 15th century, it was probably rebuilt on the foundations of the original structure. Rubble stone, a slate spire and a silhouette shaped by successive additions are characteristic of a style of construction found in old rural churches in Haute-Bretagne.

The two manor houses also add to the picture of local heritage: the Manoir de Galisson is documented from the 15th century. The Manoir de la Boussardière has been preserved and restored.

Art and Special Discoveries

Since 1995, the Salon de l’Aquarelle has welcomed guest artists from the world of watercolour. Its programme includes a watercolour competition open to everyone and the “Croquez Montgermont” sketching walk. This offers two distinct ways to experience watercolour: a competition and sketching on the go. Dates and rules may vary from one edition to another; check the latest information if you are planning your trip around the Salon.

A route showcasing notable letterboxes was set up in July 2025. A map created by Adèle helps visitors find the letterboxes. As this is a relatively new attraction, check before visiting whether the route and map are still available.

Discover more destinations: Guipry, Le Theil-De-Bretagne, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert, Laillé, Argentré-Du-Plessis, Québriac, Plerguer, Saint-Sauveur-Des-Landes.

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