Three annual racing events in June and July give Corlay a special connection to equestrian sports. At the same time, a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, the Chapelle Sainte-Anne and the remains of the Château de Corlay reveal different sides of the town. Two specific dates help with trip planning: the racing months and the Friday market.
Horse Racing and Equestrian Culture
Three racing events are held each year at the Hippodrome du Petit Paris. They include flat races and jump races, including steeplechase and cross-country. The jump and cross-country courses follow the natural contours of the land and run through the countryside; races can cover distances of nearly six kilometres. Both the disciplines and the course layouts are part of what makes this racing venue distinctive.
The EquipĂ´le du Petit Paris adds a range of equestrian facilities: a training track for racehorses, show-jumping facilities, dressage arenas and outdoor courses for carriage driving, endurance riding and eventing. The annual FĂŞte des courses presents racing and the racing scene to a family audience. Check specific race dates before travelling; the recurring programme does not specify individual event days.
Corlay’s connection to horses extends beyond racing. Its historic horse-breeding tradition gave rise to the local breed known as the “race de Corlay” and links the town to the history of riding horses in Brittany. Visitors interested in this cultural heritage can explore the Maison du Cheval, which features a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and an exhibition on the history of horses in Brittany. It offers a way to look beyond modern racing to the region’s long-standing breeding and cultural history.
The Chapel and Castle Remains
The Maison du Cheval is located within the enclosure of the old Château de Corlay. Features that remain from the castle include a northwest tower, curtain walls and a pond. The site also includes an entrance gate with a double-leaf gate for vehicles and pedestrians. These features reveal several distinctive details of the historic site rather than reducing the castle remains to a single structure.
The Chapelle Sainte-Anne adds another distinct feature. The present-day chapel dates from the 15th century; the choir has 17th-century wood panelling. The two dates therefore refer to different elements: the chapel itself and the choir’s furnishings. Together with the Maison du Cheval and the castle remains, these form a cultural focal point where Corlay’s equestrian history and built heritage sit side by side.
Friday Market and When to Visit
The Marché de Corlay takes place every Friday, bringing together local vendors and producers from the region. The selection includes seafood, seasonal fruit and vegetables, hot galettes-saucisses, artisanally made cider, crêpes and regional cheeses. The products actually available vary by season and vendor. If the market is important to your trip, check the schedule before your visit.
Corlay offers two different pointers for choosing when to visit: the annual racing events take place in June and July, while the market is held on Fridays. If you are considering both, first decide which is your priority, then check the specific event dates or market schedule.
Set Off by Bike
The Circuit vélo de Corlay starts at Place du Château in Corlay. Check the route information before setting off. Racing events, cultural heritage, the Friday market and cycling are different ways to plan a visit to Corlay around your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Canihuel, Plourhan, Plessix-Balisson, Plouvara, Allineuc, La Bouillie, Saint-Gildas, Plestan.
For the wider travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.
