Vendel’s local history is revealed through a range of landmarks: Saint-Martin Church, finds from an early medieval necropolis, buildings around Blot and its mills, and older houses. When planning your trip, you can focus on ecclesiastical architecture and archaeology, or explore the history of the mills and houses.
Saint-Martin and early history
Saint-Martin Church was founded in the 11th century by the Abbey of Saint-Florent d’Anjou and has been protected as a historic monument since February 6, 2013. In the nave and choir, a roof structure supported by wooden posts has been preserved; its origins can be traced back to the 14th century. Thus, the building brings together its 11th-century foundation and a roof structure with a history dating back to the 14th century.
In 2005, three sarcophagi made of shell limestone were unearthed near the large mission cross at Vendel’s village church. They belong to an early medieval necropolis. These finds add an archaeological perspective on the town’s early past to its architectural history. The historical territorial organization also extended beyond individual buildings: Vendel was the center of the Pagus Vendellensis, a territorial division of the city of the Rhedones.
Manor houses, mills and homes
The manor house, Logis de Blot, is arranged around a rectangular courtyard. Distinct from this are the remains of the former residence of the lords of Moulin de Blot: a curtain wall and ditches have survived from its defensive system. Of the old Moulin de Blot itself, only the lintel above the main entrance remains. These three landmarks represent different architectural features: a courtyard, remains of fortifications and a single surviving building element.
Moulin de Vendel is located on the Couesnon, north of the village of Vendel. The way its foundations were built suggests that it dates from the late 16th or early 17th century. The southern building once housed two waterwheels, fed by a single millrace. Its location, tentative dating and former technical equipment offer different clues to the mill’s history.
The hamlet of Bas Chemin preserves several relatively authentic houses from the 17th or even the late 16th century. The dates 1618 and 1663 are visible on two window lintels, providing specific dates. Another detail from the town’s history is the sundial at the former presbytery. It dates from 1654 and is decorated with a sun, a crescent moon, crossed bones and a skull. The Croix de l’Union, dating from 1699, stands on the Couesnon bridge at the exit from Vendel.
Cultural events and trails
The Association Saint-Martin regularly organizes cultural events in Vendel, such as concerts and exhibitions, to highlight Saint-Martin Church. If such events are important to your travel plans, check the dates in advance.
Vendel is included in the official hiking maps for the four historic towns of Rives-du-Couesnon. There are numerous hiking and cycling routes in the Rives-du-Couesnon area and its surroundings. If you are deciding between a stay focused on architectural and local history and days spent hiking or cycling, these themes can help with your planning. Check the specific route details before setting out.
Discover more destinations: La Couyère, Dinard, Cuguen, Piré-sur-Seiche, Le Tiercent, Saint-Georges-De-Gréhaigne, Saint-Germain-En-Coglès, La Baussaine
For the broader travel guide: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
