Best attractions and places to see around Glomel, a commune in Brittany, blend historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The region is characterized by its significant engineering feats, such as the Nantes-Brest Canal, and ancient megalithic structures. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from man-made waterways to natural gorges and protected moors. Glomel offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including cycling paths and historical sites.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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This is one of the very few straight sections of the canal.
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Here the canal meanders through the landscape.
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Yes - a very beautiful lock keeper's house. We were able to take a relaxing break here! Someone has invested a lot of love and time here and turned it into a gem. 💎
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In the heart of the Côtes d'Armor, near Locarn, the Corong Gorges offer a spectacular landscape. Crossed by the Follezou river, we discover a huge pile of rocks shrouded in legend. An almost magical place! Source: https://www.tourismebretagne.com/destinations/les-10-destinations/coeur-de-bretagne-kalon-breizh/les-gorges-du-corong/
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Beautiful lock and vintage car
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A welcome breath of fresh air
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At an altitude of 184 m, the Glomel trench is the highest point of the Nantes-Brest canal and the watershed between the Blavet and Aulne basins. The canal project and its passage through the center of Brittany dates back to Vauban, the decision and the route to Napoleon. The impressive trench allows the Aulne and Blavet watersheds to communicate via the canal. The Grande Trenche of the Canal from Nantes to Brest was dug in the 19th century by deserters from the army of Louis XVIII. The 4000 convicts of Glomel had to move as much earth and rock as was necessary for the construction of a great pyramid in Egypt. It took 9 years to create this trench, more than 3 kilometers long, 100 meters wide and 23 meters deep.
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This passage is the highest point of the canal. It was necessary to dig three million cubic meters of earth and rock to make the canal pass: as much as to build the largest pyramid in Egypt! The work was carried out in the 19th century by deserters imprisoned and sentenced to forced labor. Many did not survive the unimaginable working and hygienic conditions. A book “Les Bagnards du canal de Nantes à Brest” traces the little-known history of the builders of the canal from Nantes to Brest.
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Glomel is rich in history. You can visit The Glomel Cut, a significant part of the Nantes-Brest Canal, which was an immense engineering feat. The ancient Glomel Menhir, one of Brittany's largest, is also a must-see. Additionally, the area features historical manors like Château de Ker Saint-Éloy and Château du Coatcouraval, along with numerous religious sites such as the 15th-century Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois Church and various chapels and ossuaries.
For natural beauty, explore the Gorong-Schlucht (Corong Gorges), carved by the Follezou river, offering spectacular rock formations. The Étang du Corong (Lac de Glomel) is a large pond popular for relaxation and water activities. You can also visit the Regional Nature Reserve of the Glomel Moors and Marshes, a protected area with diverse habitats and unique flora and fauna.
Yes, Glomel offers excellent cycling. The Voie Verte between Carhaix and Poullaouen is a popular choice, following an abandoned railway line for an easy, flat, and shaded ride. For more extensive routes, komoot offers several Road Cycling Routes and Gravel Biking routes around the region, catering to various difficulty levels.
The Nantes-Brest Canal is a major historical and engineering marvel in Glomel. The Glomel Cut, also known as La Tranchée des Bagnards, is the highest point of the canal. This section was dug by hand in the 19th century, notably by convicts, to connect the Aulne and Blavet river basins. It involved excavating millions of cubic meters of earth and rock, a monumental task that shaped the region's landscape and history.
Absolutely. The area around Glomel provides numerous trails for hiking and running. You can explore paths along the Nantes-Brest Canal, including near The Glomel Cut. The Regional Nature Reserve of the Glomel Moors and Marshes also features educational trails. For specific routes, komoot has a dedicated guide for Running Trails around Glomel, including loops around Étang du Coroncq and Kerdiston lake.
Yes, Glomel is home to the Regional Nature Reserve of the Glomel Moors and Marshes (Réserve naturelle régionale des landes et marais de Glomel). This protected area spans over 100 hectares and features a mosaic of diverse habitats, including wet and peat moors, wet meadows, and semi-natural tall-herb humid meadows. It's a Natura 2000 zone, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, including over 350 botanical species.
Families can enjoy several activities in Glomel. The Voie Verte between Carhaix and Poullaouen offers an easy and safe cycling path. Étang du Corong (Lac de Glomel) is great for relaxation and water activities. Exploring the Great Trench of the Nantes to Brest Canal can also be an educational experience, showcasing a significant historical engineering feat.
The best time to visit Glomel for outdoor activities is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for cycling, hiking, and exploring the natural reserves and historical sites. Summer offers warmer temperatures suitable for water activities at Étang du Corong.
Many outdoor areas around Glomel, such as the canal paths and natural trails, are generally dog-friendly, especially if kept on a leash. The Great Trench of the Nantes to Brest Canal is noted as family-friendly, which often extends to well-behaved dogs. However, it's always advisable to check specific regulations for protected areas like the Regional Nature Reserve of the Glomel Moors and Marshes.
Yes, the Voie Verte between Carhaix and Poullaouen, while primarily a cycle path, also offers an easy, flat, and shaded surface suitable for walking. Paths along the Nantes-Brest Canal are generally level and accessible, providing pleasant strolls through the countryside. The educational trails within the Regional Nature Reserve of the Glomel Moors and Marshes are also designed for easy exploration.
Glomel is known as the capital of 'treujenn-gaol,' a popular Breton clarinet. The commune hosts an international meeting for clarinet players every Pentecost weekend, celebrating this unique musical heritage. Additionally, exploring Glomel's typical villages like Botcanou, Sainte-Christine, Trégornan, and Saint-Michel-en-Glomel offers a glimpse into the region's rich character and traditions.
The Gorong-Schlucht (Corong Gorges), carved by the Follezou river, present a spectacular landscape. You'll find large rock formations and a rugged, almost magical atmosphere, steeped in local legends. It's a dramatic natural feature offering a unique hiking experience.


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