Discover Renac

Renac brings together a rural landscape, natural areas, hiking trails and local heritage. Its rolling terrain, farmland, woods and heathland define the character of the area. There are several ways to plan your stay, from longer hiking and cycling routes to nature trails and historic buildings.

Landscape and natural areas

The Marais de Vilaine and the Canut Valley are among Renac’s protected natural areas. The Marais de Gannedel extends across La Chapelle-de-Brain, Avessac, Renac and Sainte-Marie. It is therefore a natural area that spans several municipalities. Alongside a changing landscape of fields, woods and heathland, visitors interested in the countryside will find an area with its own discovery trail.

Hiking and cycling in Renac

Renac has six hiking trails, four mountain-biking circuits and three cycling loops. The individual routes vary in length, duration and stated difficulty level. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

The hiking loop to Chapelle de Gavrain starts in Renac, is 17.5 kilometres long and takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. It is rated moderate. At the start, the trail follows woodland paths to the chapel. There is a picnic bench at the chapel. The circular route also passes through the historic row of houses in the hamlet of Gavrain, which shares the chapel’s name.

Circuit VTT La Butte aux Ânes No. A4 is 23 kilometres long, takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, and is rated very easy. The route passes through wooded areas on its way to Chapelle de Gavrain. It also includes technical sections in an old slate quarry and near the telecommunications tower. Taken together, the rating and the specifically mentioned technical sections give a more complete picture of the route.

Another cycling loop is Boucle vélo de Renac No. 10: it is 38 kilometres long, has a stated duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and is rated difficult. From Renac, it follows small country roads to the banks of the Vilaine. By comparison, the mountain-biking circuit is shorter and has a different difficulty rating; however, route length alone does not indicate the type of sections involved. For planning, you can also compare the approximate durations of two hikes: around 4 hours and 30 minutes to Chapelle de Gavrain and around 2 hours and 30 minutes on the trail in the Marais de Gannedel.

Discover the Marais de Gannedel

In the Marais de Gannedel, a signposted discovery trail passes information boards about the local flora and fauna. The trail is 6 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is a small car park in front of the natural area. The boards give the walk a natural-history focus, and you can take the trail and car park into account when planning your outing. Check the latest information on trail conditions and facilities before your visit.

Chapels and heritage

While out walking, you can explore Renac’s local heritage, including chapels, fountains, mills and churches. The Chapelle frairienne Saint-Fiacre in Trobert dates from the 17th century. Two reused paired windows from the 15th century remain in its choir. A pilgrimage takes place at Chapelle de Trobert every September, probably in honour of Saint Fiacre. If you would like to experience this tradition, check the dates in advance.

The Church of Saint-André in Renac is also associated with a historic object: a processional banner dating from 1910 is recorded as belonging to the church. The two chapels and the banner offer different insights into local religious and architectural history, without requiring you to follow a particular route.

A local speciality made with chestnut flour

Pommaron is a Renac speciality: a small brioche pastry made with chestnut flour and apples, wrapped in a chestnut leaf. A bakery in Renac also sells breads and pastries made with chestnut flour throughout the year. These two examples show different ways the ingredient features in local food culture; this does not imply that Pommaron is currently available.

If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, the hiking, cycling and nature activities can help you decide what interests you most about Renac. The route details also provide practical reference points for planning your days.

Discover more destinations: Ercé-en-Lamée, Landéan, Cancale, Saint-Gilles, Retiers, Epiniac, Muel, Saint-Aubin-D'aubigné

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