Two earth mounds, 15 and 8 metres high, separated by a 5-metre-deep ditch: Les Buttes du Châtel bring the history of the feudal motte to life. Nearby, a Romanesque doorway, today’s parish church and the Chapelle de la Trinité tell of different periods of construction. Two walking routes offer further perspectives: one follows in the footsteps of former pilgrims to places of worship, while the other ends at the medieval Motte du Châtel. This offers different ways to discover Marcillé-Raoul through its history.
Les Buttes du Châtel and the feudal motte
Les Buttes du Châtel consist of two earth mounds of different heights: one measures 15 metres and the other 8 metres. A 5-metre-deep ditch separates them. Their different heights and the space between them give the site a distinctive form. Those interested in medieval history will find an accessible introduction to the feudal motte of Châtel here.
The Archéolab offers an interpretation centre and a discovery trail exploring the history of the motte and its former castle, which belonged to the Barony of Fougères. The focus is therefore on the motte, the castle and their feudal context. As the programme may change, it is worth checking the latest information about the Archéolab before planning your visit.
Les Buttes du Châtel are open year-round for self-guided walks. Local regulations may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
Two walking routes, two themes
The Boucle de la Motte du Châtel starts at Place Théodore Clanchin in Marcillé-Raoul and ends with a visit to the historic medieval site of the Motte du Châtel. Check the local signs when setting out. The Boucle de la Trinité focuses on something different: it follows in the footsteps of former pilgrims to several places of worship in Marcillé-Raoul. It thus turns the focus to the religious history of the village and its historic pilgrimage tradition.
Churches, a chapel and traces of the past
A Romanesque doorway, probably dating from the 12th century, stands in the cemetery of Marcillé-Raoul. It is the only surviving element of the former church and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1921. The probable 12th-century date and the 1921 listing refer to different things: the doorway’s estimated age and its protected status.
The present-day parish church of Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul dates from 1867 and was built at a different site from the former church. The surviving Romanesque doorway and the later church building thus represent different chapters in the village’s history. The Chapelle de la Trinité also has several building phases: it probably dates from the 17th century, replaced an older building and was restored in the 20th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a destination for processions from Bazouges-la-Pérouse.
Village history and architecture
Le Châtel is considered the oldest and most important village in the commune of Marcillé-Raoul. The heritage walks use the title “Le Châtel, un héritage marquant de la féodalité” (“Le Châtel, a remarkable legacy of feudalism”) for it. La Fresnais offers a different architectural perspective: the village has numerous examples of rural domestic architecture from the transition between the 19th and 20th centuries. Together, these historical themes offer different perspectives on the past of these places, from feudal structures to rural architecture.
When looking for a holiday rental in Marcillé-Raoul, you can start by considering which theme you would like to shape your stay. The motte and the Archéolab offer an introduction to feudal history, while the Boucle de la Trinité and the history of the chapel offer different perspectives. This way, you can begin your search with your interests in local history rather than a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Châteaubourg, Gaël, Bain-De-Bretagne, Trans-La-Forêt, Baulon, Roz-Sur-Couesnon, Paimpont, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert.
For the regional travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
