Bédée: Medieval Heritage and Paths Along the Blavon

Since 2009, Bédée has held the “Village Étape” label and is considered a gateway to the Brocéliande destination. There are several themes to choose from when planning your trip: historic buildings and medieval sites, routes with different time commitments, and nature watching at Blavon. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bédée, these interests can help you plan your stay around your preferences.

Weekly market and getting there

The weekly market takes place on Saturday mornings until 12:30 p.m. in the Place du Lt Louessard car park. If you’re planning to visit the market, check the current opening times in advance.

Bédée is close to the RN 12 expressway. Rennes is just over ten minutes away, and Saint-Brieuc is about 40 minutes away. Both travel times are approximate and depend on traffic.

Circular routes with different time commitments

The Circuit de Blavon No. 101 circular trail starts at Bédée church, takes about one hour and 50 minutes, and is accessible to everyone. Along the way, it passes Étang de Blavon, Motte Joubin and the medieval garden. This route brings together several of the area’s nature and cultural highlights in one walk.

For a longer hike, try the Circuit Saint Urbain No. 105: the walking route is 15.2 kilometres long and takes about five hours. It passes through preserved bocage landscapes and quiet wooded areas. The two time estimates offer a practical guide to whether you’d prefer to plan a shorter circular walk or a more extended day of hiking.

Blavon: exercise and nature watching

A 1,005-metre circular path runs around Étang de Blavon. Markers are placed every 100 metres, and there is also outdoor exercise equipment along the route. The path is intended for joggers and walkers. Since 2020, Étang de Blavon has been designated an “Espace Naturel Sensible” (Sensitive Natural Area).

The Balade à Roulettes® – La balade du Blavon No. 7 offers another perspective on the landscape. Its route passes small ponds, a stream, a washhouse and a pond, providing opportunities to observe biodiversity. The Circuit nord No. 103 circular trail includes a viewpoint near Motte Malécot, with a panorama over the Montfort valley.

Medieval sites and architectural history

Motte Joubin is a well-preserved medieval motte-and-bailey site, and its ditches are still visible. The medieval garden at the motte recreates monastic, castle and farmhouse gardens. It features vegetables, fruits and plants that were used for food and as remedies.

Église Saint-Pierre was built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style and preserves architectural elements from the earlier Gothic church. The south portal features a notable statue of Saint James, inspired by the statue in Santiago de Compostela. The church, garden and motte each offer a different focus: sacred architecture, the history of medieval garden design and a visible fortification.

Chapelle Saint-Urbain also adds to the picture of local architectural history. It was built between 1883 and 1884; the adjoining oratory bears the date 1864. If you’re interested in a cycling connection, there is also a route from Bédée to Montfort: it has a rural character and alternates between quiet roads and scenic paths.

Discover more destinations: Gaël, Saint-Germain-En-Coglès, Le Tiercent, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert, Ercé-en-Lamée, La Nouaye, Poligné, Saint-Onen-La-Chapelle

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