Discover Rieux: Circuit, Vilaine and history
Accommodation in Rieux
Rieux offers different ways to plan a trip: the Circuit du Val de Vilaine, with its changing landscapes, and a history spanning from antiquity to surviving buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in Rieux, first consider whether your trip will focus more on landscapes and being on the move, or on buildings and local history.
Landscape and Roman road
The Circuit du Val de Vilaine starts at the Kadudal car park, above Rue du Château. It passes through open farmland, forests and the marshes of the Vilaine. In Tréfin, the route runs through pine forests and heathland.
It also follows an old Roman road that connected Vannes and Angers via Rieux, then known as Durétie. The name Tréfin also points to the area’s earlier history: it derives from the Gallo-Roman expression “tre(s) fin,” meaning “boundaries” or “border areas.” The circuit thus brings together landscapes and a historic route.
Château and Vilaine
The Château de Rieux and its surroundings in Rieux have been designated a classified site since 12 October 1971. An interpretation trail with information panels presents the history of the Château de Rieux; the ruins were restored in 1998.
The section of the Roman road at Kermaria and its surroundings in Rieux have also been designated a classified site since 12 October 1971. The two designations concern different features: the château and its surroundings, and the road section and its surroundings. The dates refer to different things: the 1971 designation marks the site’s classified status, while the 1998 restoration concerns the château ruins.
On the Vilaine, the Escale Nautique is located opposite the château and offers a view of the river. The local scenery thus encompasses both the château and views of the Vilaine.
Antiquity, convent and church
Rieux was already known in antiquity by the name Duretie. On 16 January 1345, Jean Ier de Rieux founded the Couvent des Trinitaires; its west wing has survived to this day. The historical points of reference therefore span from the ancient name of the settlement to a surviving building element from the 14th century.
The parish church of Saint-Melaine stands in the town centre and has the ground plan of a Latin cross. It was built in the 17th century and partially destroyed during the last war. The rebuilt church was inaugurated on 23 September 1956. The 1956 inauguration refers to the rebuilt church and should be distinguished from its original construction in the 17th century.
After its renovation, the Boucelaye became a venue for weddings, receptions, banquets, family gatherings, seminars and exhibitions. Its uses thus ranged from private events to seminars and exhibitions, reflecting the different types of events associated with the Boucelaye.
Discover more destinations: Plumelec, Baud, Allaire, Saint-Tugdual, Le Guerno, Quiberon, BĂ©ganne, FĂ©rel
For the main travel overview: Morbihan.
