Andel’s windmill survives as a tower without its sails or roof; the village centre lies on a granite plateau. Together with the Circuit des Gernottes walking trail, the Chapelle du Saint-Esprit and the Ferme de Marie-Jeanne, it offers a range of travel experiences combining landscapes, local history and farm life. If you are looking for accommodation in Andel, you can decide whether a walk, historic buildings or a farm visit best suits your travel interests.
Landscape, walking trail and getting there
The village centre of Andel lies on an 87-metre-high granite plateau; the river Le Gouessant forms the southern boundary of the village. The Circuit des Gernottes is a walking trail in Andel and offers a practical starting point for anyone who would like to include a walk in their trip. A leaflet is available for the route. The trail was created through the collaboration of landowners, the municipality, Lamballe-Armor and volunteers from the “Joie de Vivre” club.
Lamballe SNCF station, served by TGV trains, is near Andel. If you are planning a train journey, check the current train connections for your travel dates. The village centre’s elevation, the river to the south and the nearby station are different points of reference to consider when planning your stay.
Chapels and architectural history
The Chapelle du Saint-Esprit was built on the site of an older chapel. Inside are friezes featuring carved angel heads and coats of arms. Today, the building houses Andel’s municipal library. This brings together an older religious site, carved details and a present-day municipal use in a single building. If you would like to see the friezes in person, ask in advance whether and when a visit is possible.
The windmill was built around 1830 and ceased operating shortly before 1914. What remains is a tower without its sails or roof. Its history spans its construction in the 19th century, the end of its operation and the surviving structure. Château du Clos-Neuf was the seat of the parish’s most important seigneurial estate and belonged to the Du Breil family. After extensive alterations in the early 20th century, only the château remains.
The Chapelle Saint-René du Clos-Neuf should be considered separately: it is a private chapel and serves as a burial place for members of the Du Bois Dulier family. Its private function distinguishes it from a generally accessible visitor attraction, so do not plan to visit it as you would a public attraction.
Farm visits and seasonal activities
At the Ferme de Marie-Jeanne, visitors are free to walk among goats, rabbits, sheep, pigs, donkeys, peacocks and poultry. The Ferme de Marie-Jeanne farm shop offers poultry, farmhouse cheese, herbal teas, cider and poultry terrines. In summer, children can take part in the “atelier petit fermier” at the Ferme de Marie-Jeanne.
Discover more destinations: Cohiniac, Trébrivan, Lescouët-Gouarec, Landebaëron, Uzel, Tréméven, Lanvellec, Langueux.
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
