The Église Saint-Léon in La Baussaine combines architectural features and furnishings from several centuries; at the same time, the Circuit Duguesclin cycling route passes through the village and returns there. Historic crosses, theatre courses and the exhibition activities of a cultural association round out the topics. This makes La Baussaine a destination for a cycling trip or a stay focused on cultural history.
A loop on the Circuit Duguesclin
The Circuit Duguesclin cycling route passes through La Baussaine and returns there. Its loop goes through Trimer, Tinténiac, Bazouges-sous-Hédé, Hédé, Saint Symphorien, Saint Brieuc des Iffs and Les Iffs. The route therefore explicitly passes through several municipalities rather than being confined to the village centre. If you are planning the ride, keep the return to La Baussaine in mind and check the route conditions locally. The sequence of villages makes the regional scope of the loop clear and can help you plan your trip.
Historical layers at the Église Saint-Léon
The Église Saint-Léon has been protected as a Monument historique since 1926. Inside are octagonal, double baptismal fonts dating from the 14th century. They bear the coats of arms of the former lords of Tinténiac and are entirely sculpted. The west façade and the chancel end display the style of the second half of the 15th century. At the same time, the church was extensively rebuilt in the 16th century.
These historical layers should be distinguished: the baptismal fonts date from the 14th century, the stylistic features of the west façade and the chancel end from the second half of the 15th century, and the extensive rebuilding from the 16th century. Protection as a Monument historique dates from 1926 and refers to a later protection decision, not a building phase.
Village history and historic crosses
The village is first documented in 1197, when the lord of Tinténiac gave it to Saint-Georges Abbey. The Croix de Biheul in La Baussaine dates from 1576; the Croix du cimetière dates from 1665. The first record of the village and the dates of the crosses therefore refer to different historical moments. The year 1197 marks the first documented reference, not the year the village was founded.
Cultural activities in different formats
La Houpette offers two-day introductory theatre courses for children and young people during school holidays. If you would like to coordinate your trip with this activity, check the exact dates in advance: the courses are offered during the holiday period and last two days. La Houpette’s focus is on courses for children and young people with a set duration.
The Art aux Champs association promotes artistic expression in rural areas, including through exhibitions such as Hors Champs. This is a different cultural focus from the two-day theatre course: here the emphasis is on promoting artistic work and exhibitions, while the course is a holiday activity for children and young people.
The library network
La Baussaine’s library belongs to a network of libraries and media libraries. Occasional visitors can use the facilities in this network free of charge during opening hours. Opening hours provide the practical framework for a visit.
Discover more destinations: Redon, Le Rheu, La Boussac, Fougères, Vitré, Bourg-des-Comptes, La Couyère, Pacé
For the broader travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
