Saint-Gilles-Les-Bois offers several distinct discoveries side by side: the architectural history of Église Saint-Gilles and Chapelle Sainte-Anne, a route through the landscape north of the commune, woodworking and a local farm offering. These topics answer different travel questions: the churches can be understood through their construction phases; for the route and demonstrations, orientation and scheduling are important. If you are looking for accommodation, these specific highlights can help you assess the town according to your interests.
Church architecture through different stages
Église Saint-Gilles appears to have been rebuilt in the 17th century. The pillars and arches of the nave were retained. The entrance portal beneath the porch has also been preserved; it includes two pointed arches from the 15th century. This brings older building elements and a later reconstruction together. The bell tower was listed as a historic monument by decree on 6 March 1925. This listing adds a precisely dated heritage status to the building’s history.
The history of Chapelle Sainte-Anne can be traced through a different sequence of dates. The previous chapel was demolished on 24 February 1877, and reconstruction began on 26 July 1879. The present chapel dates from 1880. Unlike Église Saint-Gilles, where preserved elements and a presumed reconstruction come together, the focus here is on the demolition, the start of reconstruction and the construction date of the present chapel. The two buildings therefore also differ in how their histories can be placed in time.
A route through the northern landscape
The “Balade dans la campagne” route runs entirely through the countryside north of the commune of Saint-Gilles-les-Bois. It first follows small municipal roads, then agricultural tracks between the fields. The change from roads to field tracks gives the route a distinctive character. Important to know when preparing: the route is not signposted. Plan for navigation before setting out, and do not expect signposts for this route along the way.
Woodworking and a garden visit
From mid-September, free, intergenerational demonstrations of woodturning and/or wood carving are scheduled at the La Magdeleine woodcarving workshop. They take place at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Depending on the weather, the demonstrations may be held indoors or outdoors; they are wheelchair accessible. Woodturning involves shaping wood on a lathe, while carving is done with tools. Depending on the demonstration, one or both techniques are featured. Check the date before your visit to make sure the stated schedule suits your travel dates.
Jardin des Mélanges is an English-style garden with a witch’s house that can be visited. Check current access arrangements before your visit. These local discoveries therefore offer different kinds of experiences: historic buildings, an insight into woodworking, and a garden with a specific building as its destination.
Farm offering and local produce
In the 2025 regional food offering, Ferme de Keresper is associated with a farm shop selling organic meat. The meat is sold to order in packages of 5, 10 or 15 kg. The livestock includes white pigs from western France, raised outdoors, as well as Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle; two pigs are raised per month and two cattle per year. Charcuterie is also sold every two months, including saucissons, rillettes, pâté, sausages and chipolatas. The sales schedules differ: meat packages are selected to order, while charcuterie is sold every two months. If you have particular products in mind, check the ordering and sale dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Le Quiou, Lantic, Lannion, Le Merzer, Bréhand, Saint-Gildas, Ploumilliau, Pédernec
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
