Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault combines a well-preserved bocage landscape with a distinctive heritage: the stained-glass windows in the Chapelle Julien Maunoir are the only surviving windows from the workshop of the stained-glass artist LĂ©vĂŞque de Beauvais in Brittany. The area also has a history of textile production, an LPO bird sanctuary and various ways to explore the landscape actively. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose how to balance nature, local history and specific activities.
Bocage Landscape and Granite
The walking landscapes around Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault include well-preserved bocage, with hedgerows on embankments, sunken lanes, woods, meadows, fields and granite formations. The hedgerows and sunken lanes give the bocage a different character from the woods and open fields, while the granite formations add to this varied landscape. If you choose a destination for its landscape, you’ll find several distinctive features here rather than a single backdrop. Rural heritage also plays a role in the area’s history: in 1999, Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault received the “Commune du Patrimoine Rural de Bretagne” award.
The Chapel and Local History
The Chapelle Julien Maunoir brings together a distinctive craft tradition and the life story of the person it is named after. Julien Maunoir was born in Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault in 1606. The chapel welcomes visitors during liturgical services, Marian prayers and the commemorative celebration of Julien Maunoir’s birthday. If you’re planning a visit, check the local dates for these events in advance. This lets you combine an interest in the stained-glass windows with an appropriate occasion to visit, without assuming that a chapel visit depends on one.
Flax, Hemp and Historic Textiles
The history of production also tells of connections that reached beyond the local area. In the 18th century, linen cloth and fabric were made in Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault from locally grown flax and hemp. The textiles were exported to Spain and the colonies. Growing, processing and exporting represent three distinct aspects of the same tradition: the raw materials came from local cultivation, production took place in the village, and the goods went to distant markets. This adds a theme of craft and trade history to the story of the chapel and the rural landscape.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
The Parc de Colas is near the former Colas watermill and has been designated an LPO bird sanctuary since 2020. This adds a distinct connection to birdlife to the bocage and its sunken lanes. The watermill is specifically a former mill; the park combines this historic connection with its designation as a sanctuary.
Equidome offers small-group rides along sunken lanes through hilly countryside. The activities also include half-day and full-day rides. These time options can help you decide how much of your day to set aside. If you’re interested in a different kind of riding, you can take lessons in the riding arena and attend training courses for all levels. Confirm the availability and booking terms for your chosen activity before your trip.
Plan a Garden Visit and Cycling Route
The Botanical Garden of Moulanou can be visited from May to September by prior reservation. So, take both the season and the reservation requirement into account when planning a visit. This is a different kind of outing from the activities with Equidome: here, the season and advance booking determine the options.
Vélo-Promenade® Route No. 2, “La balade du meunier,” is a 39-kilometre cycling route associated with Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault. When comparing activities, consider the difference in how they’re described: the rides are offered as half-day and full-day options, while the cycling route is described by its length. Check current route conditions before setting out. This way, you can choose between horse riding, cycling and a garden visit requiring a reservation according to the focus you want for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Pleine-Fougères, Le Tiercent, Baulon, Cuguen, Mellé, Tremblay, Saint-Suliac, Saint-Marcan.
For the regional travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
