Attractions and Places To See around Molac - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Molac include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features the Oust river and the Canal de Nantes à Brest, offering scenic routes. Malestroit, a nearby "city of character," is notable for its well-preserved half-timbered houses and stone facades. This area provides opportunities to explore historical architecture and waterways, making it suitable for family friendly activities Molac.
Best attractions and places to see around Molac
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Historic centre of Malestroit
Highlight • Historical Site
A thousand-year-old village, Malestroit still houses houses from the 15th and 16th centuries as well as locks, mills and churches full of stories.
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Malestroit Lock
Highlight • Structure
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Chapel of La Vraie-Croix
Highlight • Religious Site
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Place du Bouffay
Highlight • Settlement
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Mills of Île Notre-Dame in Malestroit
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
Absolutely charming town, lots of little corners with beautiful things. Definitely recommend stopping and enjoying.
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13th century chapel classified as a Historic Monument, as are the crypts located under the chapel. This atypical monument with its impressive staircase has the particularity of being built above a public road. It has a magnificent wooden altar, a bronze reliquary, and a pretty stone bell tower.
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... and we almost drove past. The medieval town is worth visiting twice! The buildings have great architecture and there are plenty of restaurants.
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It is worth stopping here for a moment and enjoying the beautiful view. A charming little lock surrounded by well-kept greenery and flowers.
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It's really worth visiting! Beautifully renovated and maintained houses from the 15th and 16th century create an amazing atmosphere of a truly historic village. True wonders of ancient architecture.
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Of the chapel built in the 13th century, only an original portal remains. The rest of the chapel dates from the 16th century. The granite building was restored at the end of the 20th century by Bâtiments de France and classified as a Historic Monument since 1926, as were the crypts under the chapel. The Chapel is open to the public every day, from Easter until All Saints' Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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Beautiful small town with stone and half-timbered houses worth seeing. The founding of Malestroit dates back to 987, when monks settled on the banks of the Oust. The place became a stage destination on the Way of St. James, one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. In 1131 the place was mentioned under the name Malestricum. During the Hundred Years' War in 1343 in the chapel de la Madeleine in Malestroit by the French king Philip VI. and the English King Edward III. signed a ceasefire. At the end of the Middle Ages, Malestroit became one of the nine baronies of Brittany. At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon I commissioned the construction of the Canal de Nantes à Brest, initially for military reasons, but later also with the aim of connecting the interior of Brittany to commercial goods traffic. Source: Wikipedia
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The veneration of the Holy Cross goes back in large part to Saint Helena, who was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who, after his victory at the "Milvian Bridge" outside Rome, recognized Christianity as a religion and in 312 the long time of persecution ended with the Milan “Tolerance Edict”). In the early fourth century she undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel / Palestine) and brought numerous relics from there to Europe, including the "True Cross" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The Church celebrates the feast of the discovery, presentation and veneration of the Holy Cross – called “Exaltation of the Cross” – on September 14th.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Molac?
The region around Molac is rich in history. You can visit the Historic centre of Malestroit, a "city of character" known for its well-preserved 15th and 16th-century half-timbered houses and stone facades. Another significant historical site is the Chapel of La Vraie-Croix, a 13th-century religious building classified as a Historic Monument, uniquely built above a public road.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Molac?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Historic centre of Malestroit offers an engaging walk through medieval architecture. The Mills of Île Notre-Dame in Malestroit, located on the Oust river, provide insight into historical water mills. Additionally, Place du Bouffay in Malestroit is a lively medieval square with restaurants and cafes, offering a pleasant atmosphere for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Molac's attractions?
The area around Molac, particularly along the Oust river and Canal de Nantes à Brest, is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, including those passing through Malestroit. There are also running trails, such as loops around the Étang communal de Lanvaux, offering different difficulty levels.
Are there any easy walks or trails suitable for beginners around Molac?
While specific 'easy walks' are not detailed for the attractions themselves, the towpaths along the Oust river and the Canal de Nantes à Brest offer generally flat and accessible paths perfect for leisurely strolls. These paths are often used by cyclists and runners, indicating their suitability for easy walking.
Where can I find cafes or restaurants near the attractions?
The Place du Bouffay in Malestroit is a central spot with several restaurants and cafes, many offering outdoor seating. This medieval square is a great place to relax and enjoy refreshments after exploring the historic center.
What is the significance of the Mills of Île Notre-Dame?
The Mills of Île Notre-Dame in Malestroit are historic water mills installed since the 12th century. They played a crucial role in the local economy, producing tan for tanneries, flour, and cloth. These mills symbolize the seigneurial power of the past and are an interesting example of historical industry along the Oust river.
Can I rent kayaks or boats near the attractions?
Yes, near the Campsite "Les Rives de l'Oust", which is located on a towpath close to Malestroit, you can rent kayaks to explore the Oust river. This offers a unique perspective of the waterways and surrounding natural environment.
What makes Malestroit a 'city of character'?
Malestroit is labeled a 'city of character' due to its remarkably preserved medieval heritage. Its Historic centre features numerous half-timbered houses and stone facades dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, along with ancient locks, mills, and churches, all contributing to its unique historical atmosphere.
Are there any long-distance cycling routes that pass through the Molac area?
Yes, the Canal de Nantes à Brest, which runs through the area, is part of a significant long-distance cycling route. Cyclists often use the towpath, with the Campsite "Les Rives de l'Oust" being a popular stop for those on bike tours along the canal.
What is unique about the Chapel of La Vraie-Croix?
The Chapel of La Vraie-Croix, a 13th-century religious building, is unique for several reasons. It is classified as a Historic Monument and is notably built above a public road. It features an impressive staircase, a magnificent wooden altar, and a bronze reliquary, making it an atypical and historically significant monument.
What are the best times to visit Molac for outdoor activities?
The period from Easter until All Saints' Day (typically April to early November) is generally ideal for outdoor activities around Molac. During this time, the weather is usually pleasant for exploring historical sites, walking along the waterways, and enjoying cycling routes. For example, the Chapel of La Vraie-Croix is open to the public daily during this season.
Where can I find accommodation near the attractions?
The Campsite "Les Rives de l'Oust" is conveniently located on a towpath, just 300 meters from the town center of Malestroit. It offers spacious pitches for tents, mobile homes, and lodge tents, making it a quiet and sociable base for visiting the area's attractions.
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