Groups
The Couesnon has its source in Mayenne before flowing into the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel after 80 km of winding course in Ille-et-Vilaine, stretched in a wooded furrow of the granite massif.
Between Rennes, Fougères and Antrain, the river waters a deep valley, overlooked by wooded slopes and meadows. A beautiful green corridor for lovers of wide open spaces and rock climbing.
A battle and a castle
The Couesnon valley witnessed a historic battle in 1488. It is reported that the Breton army stationed there the day before its defeat against the French army, at Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier. The Château de la Ville Olivier, rebuilt in 1820, stands at the heart of the site. Composed of a central body and two side pavilions, the building is protected by a large wrought iron gate, inspired by the models of Versailles. Napoleon III stopped there during his inaugural visit to Rennes station. Facing the castle, a wooded park offers walkers pleasant moments of strolling.
Water for paper
In the XNUMXth century, the banks of the Couesnon had around twenty paper mills. The lime-free water at this location provided premium quality material. Mills including the Moulin aux Moines and the Moulin de Guyon testify to this bygone era before the installation of the grain mills.
Find more information on the Ille-et-Vilaine Department website
Between Rennes, Fougères and Antrain, the river waters a deep valley, overlooked by wooded slopes and meadows. A beautiful green corridor for lovers of wide open spaces and rock climbing.
A battle and a castle
The Couesnon valley witnessed a historic battle in 1488. It is reported that the Breton army stationed there the day before its defeat against the French army, at Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier. The Château de la Ville Olivier, rebuilt in 1820, stands at the heart of the site. Composed of a central body and two side pavilions, the building is protected by a large wrought iron gate, inspired by the models of Versailles. Napoleon III stopped there during his inaugural visit to Rennes station. Facing the castle, a wooded park offers walkers pleasant moments of strolling.
Water for paper
In the XNUMXth century, the banks of the Couesnon had around twenty paper mills. The lime-free water at this location provided premium quality material. Mills including the Moulin aux Moines and the Moulin de Guyon testify to this bygone era before the installation of the grain mills.
Find more information on the Ille-et-Vilaine Department website
Location details
Access: By the D 102 between Saint-Ouen-des-Alleux and Mézières-sur-Couesnon.
Average travel time of the walk: Different circuits possible. Allow around 2 hours.
Average travel time of the walk: Different circuits possible. Allow around 2 hours.
