Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Grégoire - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Saint-Grégoire, located in Brittany, France, offer a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. This commune, situated on the northern outskirts of Rennes, is characterized by its green spaces and the prominent Ille-et-Rance canal. The area provides opportunities for exploring historical sites and engaging in outdoor activities along its waterways and agricultural lands. Visitors can find a variety of cultural and natural points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Grégoire
- The most popular attractions is Saint-Georges Palace, a historic building that served as an abbey residence. Today, it functions as an administrative building for the municipality and features a public garden.
- Another must-see spot is Charbonnière Mill, a mill and historical monument. This site, located along the canal, is suitable for walks and cycling, offering an easy path from the city center.
- Visitors also love The Maltière Execution Hill, a historical site built in 1937. It became a significant location during World War II, serving as a shooting range.
- Saint-Grégoire is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural venues. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient mills to significant historical monuments and green spaces.
- The attractions around Saint-Grégoire are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 5 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Charbonnière Mill
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Perfect stop for a loop starting in the center of Rennes, the Charbonnière mill and the canal is an inviting destination with an easy cycling path.
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The Maltière Execution Hill
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By taking control of St-Jacques, the Germans got into the habit of coming to shoot the resistance fighters who bothered them there.
The first man shot was on July 17, 1940 and was called Marcel Brossier, sentenced to death for having cut a telephone cable.
It was the same fate for 75 other resistance fighters, mostly from Ille-et-Vilaine.
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Saint-Georges Palace
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Catholic Church - St. Justine of Gévezé
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In Gévezé, the oldest remains of the church date from the 12th century, notably a bay in the south wall of the nave. The Sainte-Justine Church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, of which it retains some elements of its framework, or even gargoyles and crossettes with fantastic animal shapes.
A tower had been built between 1614 and 1628. This one threatening to fall into ruins was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century, in a different place: the bottom of the nave.
The Sait-Justine church housed two side altars dedicated to the Virgin and Saint Anne, made of stone and marble by the Rennes sculptor Bernard Dupont in 1637. They were demolished in 1783, by kind rationalist supporters of the Fraternal Republic and democratic.
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Waterwheel at Roazhon Park
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The Palais Saint-Georges has the Jardin Saint Georges at its feet.
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This 17th century palace has had several lives: abbey, barracks and today the headquarters of various municipal services.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention that dates back to pre-Christian times. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: either the water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or the water is guided above the wheel and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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Nowadays, only very few mills are still in operation in their original function, but they appear to hikers and cyclists along the river or canal as technical and historical monuments of an ancient craft tradition: Only through human ingenuity and the power of flowing water as driving energy, the heavy millstones inside were moved and so, for example, grain could be ground into flour (so-called grain mills) or oil could be pressed from fruits (e.g. olives) (so-called oil mills).
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Beautiful walk on the Vilaine passing through Roazhon Park!
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The wash house is located just opposite the body of water (unfortunately not visible in the photo). Formerly used for washing, it now serves more as a historical monument.
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The oldest remains of the parish church of Sainte-Justine de Gévezé date from the 12th century, notably a bay in the south wall of the nave. The Sainte-Justine Church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, of which it retains some elements of its framework, or even gargoyles and crossettes with fantastic animal shapes. A tower had been built between 1614 and 1628. This one threatening to fall into ruins was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century, in a different place: the bottom of the nave. The plans and specifications for this new porch bell tower were drawn up by Jacques Mellet who took delivery of the work in 1858. (wiki-rennes.fr)
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Saint Justine is a 1st century martyr in Padua. Baptized in Padua by a disciple of Saint Peter, she remained firmly faithful to faith in Jesus Christ at the time of the persecutions. For her faith, she was pierced with a sword. The fame of his so lively faith spread throughout the Roman Empire, as far as Gaul, despite the hostile climate towards Christians. In Gévezé, the oldest remains of the church date from the 12th century, notably a bay in the south wall of the nave. The Sainte-Justine Church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, of which it retains some elements of its framework, or even gargoyles and crossettes with fantastic animal shapes. A tower had been built between 1614 and 1628. This one threatening to fall into ruins was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century, in a different place: the bottom of the nave. The Sait-Justine church housed two side altars dedicated to the Virgin and Saint Anne, made of stone and marble by the Rennes sculptor Bernard Dupont in 1637. They were demolished in 1783, by kind rationalist supporters of the Fraternal Republic and democratic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Saint-Grégoire?
Saint-Grégoire offers several historical sites. You can visit the ancient Village Church with its Romanesque origins and the significant 15th-century octagonal monumental granite cross located in the cemetery. Other notable historical sites include the Mill of 1875, historical lavoirs, and the Villa Mc Gregor. Additionally, explore the historic Saint-Georges Palace, a former abbey residence now serving as an administrative building with a public garden, and the Charbonnière Mill, a historical monument along the canal.
Are there any significant historical sites related to World War II in the area?
Yes, The Maltière Execution Hill is a significant historical site built in 1937. It became a crucial location during World War II, serving as a shooting range where many resistance fighters were executed by German forces.
What natural features and green spaces can I enjoy in Saint-Grégoire?
The most prominent natural feature is the Ille-et-Rance Canal, which offers scenic promenades along its former towpaths. The Robinson site near the canal is ideal for walks, running, cycling, or kayaking. The commune also boasts 400 hectares of agricultural land and 70 hectares of green space, including the tranquil banks of the Ille river and nearby forests, perfect for walks or cycling.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Saint-Grégoire?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, especially along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. Popular options include walking, running, cycling, and kayaking. For more structured routes, you can find numerous options for cycling and hiking around Saint-Grégoire, with routes like the 'Ille-et-Rance Canal – Charbonnière Mill loop' for cycling and 'Saint-Grégoire Lock – Moulin de Saint-Grégoire loop' for hiking.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Saint-Grégoire?
Yes, Saint-Grégoire offers family-friendly options. The Spadium aquatic center provides swimming pools and relaxation areas. The annual Festival Robinson, held every second weekend of June near the canal, features street arts, circus performances, concerts, and theater suitable for all ages. Additionally, the green spaces and canal banks are great for family walks and bike rides, and the Waterwheel at Roazhon Park is also considered family-friendly.
What cultural venues or events are there in Saint-Grégoire?
For cultural entertainment, Saint-Grégoire is home to the Théâtre de La Gâterie, a performance hall. The Forge Centre plays a significant role in the town's cultural life, notably hosting the Grand Prize for Painting in November, showcasing contemporary art. The annual Festival Robinson also offers a vibrant cultural experience with various performances.
What do visitors enjoy most about the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3503554" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charbonnière Mill</a>?
Visitors appreciate the Charbonnière Mill and its surroundings as an excellent destination for both walking and cycling. The path along the canal provides an easy and inviting route, perfect for a loop starting from the center of Rennes. It's also recognized as a technical and historical monument of ancient craft tradition.
Can I find easy walking trails in Saint-Grégoire?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails, particularly along the Ille-et-Rance Canal and around the green spaces. For example, the 'Saint-Grégoire Mill – Saint-Grégoire Lock loop' from Maurepas - Patton is an easy hiking route. The paths around the Charbonnière Mill are also considered easy for walking and cycling.
What is the best time of year to visit Saint-Grégoire for outdoor activities?
The region generally offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. June is particularly vibrant with the annual Festival Robinson. The green spaces and canal paths are enjoyable throughout these seasons for walking, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits.
Are there any historical churches to visit near Saint-Grégoire?
Yes, the Catholic Church - St. Justine of Gévezé is a notable historical church. Its oldest remains date back to the 12th century, with significant reconstructions in the 15th and 16th centuries, retaining elements like its framework, gargoyles, and crossettes with fantastic animal shapes.
What are some attractions accessible from Saint-Grégoire?
Due to its proximity to Rennes, you can easily access attractions in the regional capital, such as the Parc du Thabor, Roazhon Park, and the Museum des Beaux-Arts de Rennes. Other nearby towns like Combourg and Vitré also offer their own historical and natural attractions.
What is the significance of the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/4648147" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Waterwheel at Roazhon Park</a>?
The Waterwheel at Roazhon Park represents an ancient invention that harnessed the power of moving water to drive mills. It's a historical example of how human ingenuity replaced muscle power with natural water flow to grind grain or press oil, making it a fascinating man-made monument along the Vilaine river.
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