A 39-hectare natural area, a Neo-Gothic church and a museum devoted to the history of communications offer different ways to explore Cesson-Sévigné. Parc de la Monniais focuses on botanical discovery and orienteering; Église Saint-Martin offers a glimpse into architectural history, while the Musée des Transmissions – Espace Ferrié explores military communications and civilian telecommunications. When looking for a hotel in Cesson-Sévigné, you can first decide which of these themes you would most like to shape your stay.

Nature at Parc de la Monniais

At 39 hectares, Parc de la Monniais is Cesson-Sévigné’s largest natural area. Around fifty rare tree species grow there, identified by labels for botanical discovery. The size of the park and its labelled species offer two ways to explore it: as a natural area as a whole and through individual botanical features. This makes the park appealing to travellers who want to experience nature through specific plant characteristics.

The meadows and wooded areas are also suitable for orienteering. Those interested in plant diversity can focus on the labelled species, while anyone looking for a sporting activity can take advantage of the meadows and wooded areas for orienteering. The same natural area therefore offers something for different interests.

Another natural spot is Parc de Champagné. It is open year-round and admission is free. As conditions may change, briefly check the current access information before your visit.

Church architecture and cultural venues

The present-day Église Saint-Martin was built at a new site between 1899 and 1904, replacing an older church documented since the 12th century. This makes it possible to distinguish between two historical layers: the predecessor church, documented over a long period, and the later building. The present church has three naves and is Neo-Gothic; it was designed by diocesan architect Arthur Regnault. “Three-naved” refers to a layout of three naves and helps explain the church’s architectural form. The rose window also has its own history: it was created by the Rault workshop in Rennes between 1903 and 1906 and restored in 2017. The construction period, style, design and a specific work of art offer different ways to appreciate the church’s architecture and history.

Pont des Arts is located in Parc de Bourgchevreuil in the centre of Cesson-Sévigné. Its auditorium has 300 seats. The venue is thus defined by a specific location and a clearly identified space.

Communications at the Musée des Transmissions

The Musée des Transmissions – Espace Ferrié is an educational museum devoted to the history of military communications and also commemorates civilian telecommunications. Its permanent exhibition is divided into historical and technological sections. This two-part structure helps you shape your visit around your own questions: are you primarily interested in the history of communication or in technological subjects?

The technological section features encryption machines, including Enigma. It also covers information carriers, electronic warfare and radio transmissions. Its themes range from individual machines to different forms of information transmission. Anyone interested in the history of technology can compare these topics with the historical focus of the permanent exhibition; the museum also addresses the history of military communications and civilian telecommunications.

Discover more destinations: Sougéal, La Gouesnière, Pleurtuit, Saint-Suliac, Vitré, Saint-Lunaire, Martigné-Ferchaud, Louvigné-Du-Désert

For the overview of the wider area: Ille-Et-Vilaine.