La Fontenelle can be explored through specific themes: the Eglise Saint-Samson, the history of local stonemasons, music and a viewpoint overlooking the Couesnon Valley. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether to focus on architectural history, craftsmanship, a festival programme that fits your schedule, or the landscape.
Eglise Saint-Samson: Granite and Architectural History
The blue-granite tower of Eglise Saint-Samson stands out. It was built in 1859 and contrasts with the rest of the masonry, which is made of large blocks of grey granite. The contrast comes from the different types of granite and their colours. Anyone interested in the building’s design will find a specific detail here through which to appreciate the church’s architecture.
Eglise paroissiale Saint-Samson is considered a 16th-century church. It was remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries, with work lasting from 1840 to 1870. The tower, built in 1859, dates from this later phase of construction. Numerous collected gravestones form the flooring in the transept and nave. The church thus brings together several different features: its architectural history, the contrast of materials on the tower and the gravestones as part of its furnishings.
The Picaous’ Houses and the History of the Quarries
The houses of the Picaous, the local stonemasons, offer another way to explore La Fontenelle’s history. They bear witness to a period of intense activity around the quarries, which remained in operation there until the 1970s. The houses are also part of La Fontenelle’s heritage trail. The connection between the stonemasons and the quarries gives this subject its particular emphasis: it is not only about granite as a building material, but also about the people and work associated with the local quarries.
A former presbytery adds to the historic buildings. It dates from the second half of the 17th century. Together with the church, it offers another point of reference in time, while the Picaous’ houses bring the local history of stonemasonry to the fore.
Jean Langlais and Festival Music
Jean Langlais was born in La Fontenelle on 15 February 1907. He became a renowned concert organist and a prolific composer. The Jean Langlais Festival is also held in La Fontenelle. Its 20th edition in 2025 and 21st edition in 2026 were announced.
The 2026 programme included a concert in the church featuring Breton music for bombard, organ and voice. An organ and piano masterclass was also planned. These programme items relate to the 2026 edition. If you would like to make music the occasion for your trip, check the dates for the relevant festival edition before setting your travel dates.
Views over the Couesnon Valley
The Circuit de la Roche offers a viewpoint overlooking the Couesnon Valley. This adds a distinct landscape focus to a trip centred on the church, stonemasons and music. The view over the valley is different from exploring the historic buildings; it offers another focus when deciding what interests you most about La Fontenelle.
These themes offer different starting points for a stay without prescribing a particular order. Check festival dates before planning your travel dates, and confirm accommodation availability for your chosen period.
Discover more destinations: Bazouges-La-Pérouse, Montgermont, Antrain, Thorigné-Fouillard, Hirel, Billé, Fougères, Parigné.
For the broader travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
