Discover Québriac: Canal, Trails and Architectural History

Québriac is shaped by two distinct landscapes. The Canal d’Ille-et-Rance crosses the western edge of the municipality. The eastern two-thirds are characterized by rocky, granite-rich ground, relatively varied terrain and numerous ponds connected by streams.

Canal, Landscapes and Circular Trails

The stretch of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance in Québriac includes three lock sites: La Gromillais, Gué-de-Noëlland and Pont-Houitte. Since 1960, recreational boating on the canal has replaced commercial traffic. The locks and the history of the waterway add another point of reference to the landscape.

Québriac has a 45-kilometre network of trails open to walkers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The Circuit de Malnoë starts at the church car park, follows the canal towpath and passes the Gué-de-Noëlland and Pont-Houitte locks. A viewpoint offers a panorama of the Québriac countryside. The Circuit des carrières also starts at the church car park; the Circuit de Raulin offers a view over the Donac valley.

Trail conditions and visibility at viewpoints can vary seasonally. Check conditions before setting out. The Circuit du calvaire starts at the Étang des Noës car park. The loop crosses the Ruisseau de Tanouarn on a footbridge and passes the former chapel of Travoux.

Buildings and Historical Traces

The present-day Château de Québriac was built in 1827 by architect Louis Richelot for M. de Castellan. The neoclassical building stands on the site of a major fortress that Henri IV ordered to be demolished in 1599, after the Wars of Religion. Remains of moats survive on the north and south sides of the château.

The church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul was rebuilt from the late 14th century, mainly during the 15th century. Its spiral bell tower is topped by a spiral spire. The former chapel in the village of Travoux was built in the 12th century under the protection of Saint-Malo; a 15th-century pointed-arch window survives there.

The Calvaire de la Mariais dates from 1627. Thomas Vigner had it built in memory of his parents and brother. Carved in granite, depictions of the Instruments of the Passion, including a hammer, pincers and nails, are among its tangible details.

The La Gromillais estate preserves one wing of the outbuildings of the former manor house, as well as a chapel dating from the early 17th century. The Moulin du Rocher teint is another historic site: it was built after 1836, and its renovated masonry remains roofless.

Discover more destinations: Plouasné, Saint-Étienne-en-Coglès, Plesder, Combourtillé, La Chapelle-Chaussée, Lanhélin, Domagné, Gaël

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