Le Roc-Saint-André brings together the landscape along a broad bend of the Oust, the lock on the Nantes–Brest Canal and several historic buildings. During your stay, you can choose to focus on local history or outdoor activities.
The lock and landscape along the Oust
The Ville aux Figlins lock is on the Nantes–Brest Canal in Le Roc-Saint-André, in the municipality of Val d'Oust; it is also known as Ville aux Fruglins. The village stretches along a broad bend in the Oust. To the west, the landscape consists of small hills separated by streams. Here, the wide river bend meets a more undulating landscape of smaller hills.
The church and the village name
The present-day Saint-André church was built between 1901 and 1903 to designs by Rennes architect Arthur Regnault. It replaced a church dating from 1608 and is an example of Neo-Gothic architecture in the Cornouaille style. Set on a rocky outcrop above the river landscape, it also houses a Lourdes grotto.
The village name also points to a historic building: Le Roc-Saint-André takes its name from the Chapelle du Rotz. It was built on a rock dedicated to Saint Andrew. The name's history and today's Saint-André church offer different points of connection to the village's past.
Manor houses and building phases
The Touche-Carné manor house was once a fief of a knightly family and was the origin of a significant village with numerous old houses.
The Château de La Ville Der also shows evidence of different building phases: the manor house dates from the 15th century, while its present-day façade was built in the 17th century. During the 17th-century reconstruction, the tower of the old manor house was incorporated. The grounds and courtyard of the château are open year-round free of charge; check this time-sensitive access information before your visit.
The two building histories reveal different kinds of change: at Saint-André, a new building replaced the church of 1608, while at La Ville Der, a tower from the older manor house was incorporated into the reconstruction. Visitors comparing historic buildings will therefore find both a replacement building and the reuse of an older structure.
Orienteering courses, towpath and horse riding
Le Roc-Saint-André has six orienteering courses in a natural, protected area that is 90 percent woodland and has no roads. The towpath along the Nantes–Brest Canal near Le Roc-Saint-André is suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. The options therefore differ in focus: the orienteering courses take you into a wooded area without roads, while the towpath is suitable for three different activities.
The Étrier du Val Chevrier equestrian centre offers activities ranging from pony lessons for children aged three and up to horse riding. It also offers dressage, show jumping and courses for all levels. The centre is close to the voie verte, the Nantes–Brest Canal and a forest, where there are paths for group rides. As well as the towpath, the paths near the equestrian centre are another option for horse rides.
Programme details may change; access details and towpath conditions may also vary. Check the latest information before your visit or ride.
Discover more destinations: Camoël, Malestroit, La Gacilly, Lantillac, Lanouée, Riantec, Ploeren, Berric
For the broader travel overview: Morbihan.
