Hiking and nature

The circular hiking route to the Chapelle de Gavrain starts in Renac, is 17.5 kilometres long and takes approximately four hours and 30 minutes; it is of moderate difficulty. At the start, the route follows wooded paths to the chapel. Along the way, it passes through the historic row of houses in the hamlet of the same name. There is a picnic bench at the chapel stop.

Renac’s rural landscape is characterised by rolling terrain and a mix of cultivated land, forests and heathland. Protected natural areas include the Marais de Vilaine and the Canut valley. The Marais de Gannedel also extends across Renac, La Chapelle-de-Brain, Avessac and Sainte-Marie.

At the Marais de Gannedel, a signposted discovery trail features information boards about the local flora and fauna. At six kilometres and approximately two hours and 30 minutes, it is a shorter option than the circular route to the Chapelle de Gavrain. There is a small car park in front of the natural area.

Cycling routes with different profiles

The selection of routes in Renac includes six hiking trails, four mountain bike circuits and three cycling routes. Two cycling routes differ considerably in length, stated duration and difficulty. The Boucle vélo de Renac No. 10 is 38 kilometres long, rated difficult and listed as taking three hours and 45 minutes. From Renac, it follows small country roads to the banks of the Vilaine.

The Circuit VTT La Butte aux Ânes No. A4 has a different profile, at 23 kilometres, two hours and 20 minutes, and rated “very easy”. The route passes through wooded areas to the Chapelle de Gavrain. It also includes technical sections in an old slate quarry and near the telecommunications tower. Before setting out, check the current route conditions and information about the car park and picnic bench.

Heritage in Renac

Chapels, fountains, mills and churches are part of the local heritage, which you can discover on walks. Access may vary from one site to another. The Chapelle frairienne Saint-Fiacre in Trobert dates to the 17th century. Its choir retains two reused paired windows from the 15th century.

The Chapelle de Trobert attracts a pilgrimage every September, probably in honour of Saint Fiacrius. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the current dates in advance. The history of the Church of Saint-André in Renac includes a processional banner donated to the parish of Renac in 1910.

Pommaron and chestnut pastries

One local speciality is pommaron: a small brioche pastry made with chestnut flour and apples, wrapped in a chestnut leaf. A bakery in Renac also sells breads and pastries made with chestnut flour throughout the year. This means chestnuts feature not only in a single speciality, but also in baked goods available year-round.

Discover more destinations: La Bouëxière, Landéan, Montours, Vern-Sur-Seiche, La Chapelle-Chaussée, La Chapelle-De-Brain, Saint-Méen-le-Grand, Guichen.

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