Meslan: Churches, Trails and the Ellé

When planning a hotel stay in Meslan, one clear question can help: should the trip focus mainly on historic buildings or outdoor activities? Both are on offer, but with different details: the buildings are notable for specific construction dates and heritage status, while the activities include a named cycling route, hiking and mountain-biking trails, and the river.

Churches, Chapels and Calvary

The Church of Saint-Melaine was rebuilt in 1577; only the wall of the north aisle remains from the original building. It has been listed as a historic monument since 15 May 1925. Its 16th-century carved beams depict grotesque portraits caricaturing people of the time. The church thus brings together several different historical details: a surviving part of the original building, the reconstruction and the images carved on the beams.

Bonigeard’s historic heritage includes the calvary and the Chapel of Sainte-Catherine. The calvary dates from the 16th century, has been listed as a historic monument since 1933, and is considered one of the largest calvaries in the Morbihan département. The Chapel of Sainte-Catherine dates from the 17th century; an inscription on its panelling is dated 1698. The devotional fountain at Bonigeard also has its own religious association: it contains a statue of Saint Diboen, who is associated with the healing of ear ailments.

In the hamlet of Ouennec, another chapel was built in 1641 and 1642, then altered in 1754 and 1919. Its building history therefore spans several clearly dated stages, extending the story beyond a single construction date.

Cycling Route, Trails and River

The Véloroute-Voie Verte runs from Berné through Kerflémic in Meslan and on to Le Faouët. It serves sporting, everyday and tourist purposes. These three uses show that the cycling route is not limited to tourist rides, but also serves sporting and everyday needs.

Meslan also has numerous hiking trails and mountain-bike trails. The named cycling route and these two other types of trail can therefore be seen as distinct ways to explore the area: cycling, hiking and mountain biking each offer a different way to discover Meslan.

The Ellé also shapes the area’s geography. To the west, it forms the boundary of Meslan, separating the commune from Lanvénégen and Le Faouët. Meslan lies within the “Rivière Elle” Natura 2000 site (FR5300006), designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The corresponding amendment to the designation, dated 7 February 2022, was published in the Journal officiel. At Meslan, the Ellé offers opportunities for fishing and a refreshing break on the riverbank. For travel planning, the river thus combines a specific geographical connection with activities distinct from the buildings and trails.

Discover more destinations: Molac, Treffléan, Melrand, Rieux, Quelneuc, Elven, Carentoir, Langoëlan

For the regional travel overview: Morbihan.