Discover Vendel

Vendel can be explored through its architectural and local history: Saint-Martin Church, archaeological finds, mills and older houses each reflect different historical themes. If you are planning a culturally focused stay, you can learn about the history of the church’s construction, the former uses of the mills and the houses in the hamlet of Bas Chemin. Walking maps and regularly organised cultural events can also help you plan your trip.

Saint-Martin Church and archaeological traces

Saint-Martin Church was founded by the Abbey of Saint-Florent d’Anjou in the 11th century and has been protected as a historic monument since 6 February 2013. In the nave and choir, a roof structure supported by wooden posts has been preserved and can be traced back to the 14th century. The church thus offers a glimpse into different phases of its construction history, from its founding to the surviving architectural features.

The archaeological find near the village church reveals a different period: in 2005, three shell-limestone sarcophagi were uncovered there, near the large mission cross. They belong to an early medieval necropolis. The year 2005 marks when they were uncovered; the classification of the sarcophagi points to a much older historical context.

Mills and architectural styles

The Moulin de Vendel is located on the Couesnon, north of the village of Vendel. It is thought to date from the late 16th or early 17th century; this tentative dating is based on the construction of its foundations. The southern building in the mill complex once had two waterwheels, fed by a single millrace. The two wheels and shared channel characterise the former machinery, without implying that it is still in use today.

The buildings at the Moulin de Blot are also worth distinguishing from one another. The manor house, Logis de Blot, is arranged around a rectangular courtyard. The old Moulin de Blot is separate from the manor house: only the lintel above the mill’s main entrance survives. Traces of a defensive system of curtain walls and ditches remain at the former residence of the lords of the Moulin de Blot.

Houses, bridge and local history

The hamlet of Bas Chemin preserves several relatively authentic houses dating from the 17th century or even the late 16th century. Two window lintels bear the dates 1618 and 1663. These architectural features provide specific chronological markers within the older residential area. Another dated monument stands on the Couesnon bridge at the edge of Vendel: the Croix de l’Union dates from 1699.

The name Pagus Vendellensis is also part of the area’s historical background. Vendel was the centre of the territorial division of the city of the Rhedones known as Pagus Vendellensis. The area’s history therefore extends beyond individual buildings and finds to include an earlier territorial division.

Walking routes and cultural events

Vendel is included in the official walking maps for the four historic communes of Rives-du-Couesnon. There are numerous walking and cycling routes in the Rives-du-Couesnon area and its surroundings. If you are planning a trip, check the latest route information beforehand so you can plan your itinerary around your chosen route.

The Association Saint-Martin regularly organises cultural events in Vendel, such as concerts and exhibitions, to promote Saint-Martin Church. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the latest dates in advance. This will help you plan your stay around your preferred focus: architectural and local history, routes in the surrounding area or a cultural event.

Discover more destinations: La Gouesnière, Le Theil-De-Bretagne, Vern-Sur-Seiche, Clayes, Bécherel, Plerguer, Le Châtellier, Saint-M'hervé

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