La Richardais brings together a variety of discoveries: the Rance tidal power station explores technology and energy history, the Musée Manoli is devoted to sculpture, and paths lead to coastal landscapes and opportunities to observe nature. When planning your visit, it is worth choosing among these options according to your interests and the conditions at each site, rather than treating them as a fixed itinerary.
Tidal Power Station and Maritime Heritage
The freely accessible outdoor trail at the tidal power station provides information about the site. From there, you can watch boats pass through the lock. The Espace EDF Odyssélec offers an introduction to the subject through interactive exhibitions, as well as panoramic views of the turbine hall. A guided tour covers the station’s construction history and how it works, and lasts one hour. Check opening times, access conditions and tour dates in advance.
The town’s maritime history is also in evidence at the quay, where you can see the old fishing boat LE CHASSEUR. The mackerel fishing boat is 6.13 metres long and 2.37 metres wide. It was built in 1931 by the Guerlavas shipyard in La Richardais for Monsieur Jean Lucas of Pleurtuit. Its precise dimensions and construction history tell a different, more craft-based story of the Rance than the technology of the tidal power station.
Art, the Church and Traces of the Atlantic Wall
Sculptor Pierre Manoli came to La Richardais in 1975; fire was one of his most important sculpting techniques. The Musée Manoli is located in his former home and studio. Across several rooms and a wooded garden, it displays nearly 200 works. This gives you the chance to explore both individual works and the surroundings in which the artist lived and worked. Temporary exhibitions, guided tours, culinary visits and educational workshops are offered throughout the year by prior reservation. Check availability in advance.
Other traces of culture and history can be found in various parts of La Richardais. Saint-Clément Church is one of seventeen churches designed by Xavier de Langlais. Six bunkers can be seen on Rue des Hurettes and Rue de la Sapinière. The Organisation Todt built them in 1943/1944 as part of the Atlantic Wall. The two streets, the number of bunkers and the period in which they were built give this part of local history a concrete setting.
Coastal Paths, Nature and Outdoor Activities
The Entre Terre et Mer route starts in La Richardais and is listed as 7.0 kilometres long. Its description follows the GR®34C coastal path towards the Barrage de la Rance, passes behind the ferry terminal and goes through an underground pedestrian passage at the lock. The route leads to the Anse des Grandes Rivières and the Barrage de la Rance. Check tide and access conditions before setting out. Another cycling route, Du centre-ville à la campagne, also starts in La Richardais and is 6.6 kilometres long. If you are specifically looking for a cycling route, this one is designated as such; Entre Terre et Mer focuses on the coastal and lock sections described above.
There are different places and focal points for observing nature. The Anse des Grandes-Rivières is in a Natura 2000 area. You can watch birds feeding on its tidal flats. At Pointe du Grognet, there are 360-degree panoramic views of the Rance estuary; the site is also shady and suitable for walks. A path through the Vallée Hourdel runs through a wooded valley where you can observe wildlife and plants. Freshwater fishing is possible at Étang de la Garde. These options differ depending on whether you are looking for a viewpoint, birdwatching, a woodland path or an activity by the pond.
Water Sports and Views of the Rance
The Centre Nautique de La Richardais offers sailing and rowing courses, as well as rentals of windsurf boards, dinghies, catamarans, sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Which activity is right for you depends in part on whether you are looking for a course or equipment to rent; check availability in advance. The Anse du Moulin Neuf anchorage is also described for boating enthusiasts. It lies between the two banks at the mouth of the Étanchet stream and is well protected from wind and choppy seas thanks to its location.
Discover more destinations: Gurunhuel, Erquy, Bourbriac, Saint-Briac-Sur-Mer, Quévert, Dinan, Loscouët-Sur-Meu, Carnoët.
See the broader travel guide: Côtes-D’armor.
