Hiking trails along the Couesnon, a leisure park, and distinctive architectural heritage give Beaucé its varied character. For planning your trip, two questions are especially helpful: What kind of trail would you like to explore, and are you interested in the history of the area as well as its landscape? The local walking routes and buildings offer some specific points of reference.

Hiking between the Couesnon and a viewpoint

A circular route associated with Beaucé follows a Voie Verte, runs along the Couesnon, and leads to the landscaped pond at Vertes Rives. It connects a stretch of river with a named destination. If you want to choose a route based on bodies of water, both the Couesnon and the pond serve as landmarks here.

The Circuit de Niche Coucou is another option: this 11-kilometre hiking trail is rated moderate. It passes several streams that feed into the Couesnon. It also includes a high-level trail with views over the Fougères basin. From the Niche Coucou viewpoint, panoramic views extend across the Couesnon catchment area. Niche Coucou is also considered a stargazing spot; whether conditions are suitable depends on the weather.

The two routes have different highlights: the loop along the Voie Verte focuses on the Couesnon and the pond, while the Circuit de Niche Coucou has a stated distance and difficulty level, as well as streams and views. This lets you choose a hiking focus based on the specific features of each route, without assuming a particular walking time.

The pond and Vertes Rives leisure park

The Parc de loisirs des Vertes Rives is located in the centre of Beaucé. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility and to strollers. Facilities include a play area for toddlers, a zip line, a pyramid, and an obstacle course. There is also a covered picnic area and fishing opportunities. Check the information on accessibility and facilities before your visit.

Church and historic buildings

The Church of Saint-Martin dates from the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, and two small Romanesque window openings have also been preserved. Its furnishings include 15th-century granite baptismal fonts with trefoil arcades. These furnishings received an MH classification in 1907.

Two manor houses also reflect different periods of construction. The earliest references to the Manoir de la Chaudronnerais date from the 13th century; the surviving complex includes buildings whose oldest parts date from the 17th century. The Manoir de la Soinière is among the oldest buildings in Beaucé. One door has mouldings characteristic of the 15th century; the manor also retains three large fireplaces featuring forms from the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the village of Haut Patrion stands a former priest's house, built in the late 16th century. Its round-arched doorway has a double roll-moulded profile. Window decorations include, among other things, a chalice and a paten. These architectural details can be linked to the house's former religious use without requiring a particular itinerary for visiting it.

Another historic connection leads to the Lulaguerre farm: until 1988, it was the farm of the Hôtel-Dieu, now the hospital in Fougères. All of the farm's milk production was destined for this hospital. This is not a story about the farm's present-day function, but about its former role in supplying the Hôtel-Dieu.

For cycling plans, too

The section of the Voie Verte between Fougères and Vitré is part of La Régalante. Check route information before setting off. The Parc de loisirs des Vertes Rives is located in the centre of Beaucé; its location should be considered separately from the cycling route mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Vendel, La Chapelle-Chaussée, Trans-La-Forêt, Landéan, La Couyère, Baguer-Pican, Pleugueneuc, Luitré.

For the broader travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.