Nature and relaxationTOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL PANORAMAS

The 10 most beautiful views in Ille-et-Vilaine

From north to south and east to west, Ille-et-Vilaine is full of amazing observation points. At height, they provide views of the coast, the countryside or the River Vilaine. Discover our selection of the 10 best spots with the most beautiful views in our little corner of paradise.

Open your eyes wide, you don’t want to miss a thing!

POINTE DU GROUIN

Cancale

This one requires a little effort. But the little walk to reach the end of this rocky spur is definitely worth the effort. The view is breathtaking. Between pine trees, gorse and carved rocks, you’ll have an incredible view extending from Cap Fréhel to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.

For wildlife fans, it’s also the opportunity to observe the bird reserve of Ile des Landes, with its cormorants and European herring gulls. If we refer to the “Atlas des places fortes de 1784”, we discover that Pointe du Grouin is so called because its rocky headland looks like the profile of a pig’s snout, “groin” in French.

Discovery of Pointe du Grouin in Cancale as a couple

Aerial view of Pointe du Grouin in Cancale

BUTTE À BIGOT

Fougères

Many walkers extol the beauty of Fougères. Its 10th-century medieval castle needs no introductions (it’s one of the biggest Middle Age fortresses in Europe), but only those in the known will be able to direct you to Butte à Bigot as a viewpoint from which to admire it. As you continue the walk along the Balcons de Fougères around a former granite quarry, on the steep and wooded paths, you’ll reach Rocher Coupé viewpoint, followed by Butte à Bigot. Don’t miss this opportunity as you pass through Fougères!

BEC À L'ÂNE

Mont-Dol

Mont-Dol is a historical nugget all by itself and is a must-see. It’s the most important palaeolithic site in Brittany. There are many legends which refer to this mount, such as Gargantua who, bothered by something in his shoe, removed three stones, one of which was Mont-Dol. At the top, two windmills (including one still operational) and a little chapel are situated next to a belvedere from where there is an incredible view of the marshes. You can use the binoculars there!

The best way to find out more is on the Bec à l’Âne circuit.

POINTE DE LA GARDE GUÉRIN

Saint-Briac-sur-Mer

In Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, this rocky spur rises 50 metres above sea level (the highest point on the Emerald Coast) and is a little gem in every way. The fauna and flora are particularly rich here, along with its history, and it has inspired many artists from Bernard (founder of the Pont-Aven school) to Renoir, including Signac and Sébillot. It all makes perfect sense when you discover the view: a panorama from Cap Fréhel to Saint-Malo, filled with the song of crickets in the spring.

Pointe de la Garde Guérin in Saint-Briac

THE CORBINIÈRES

Langon

To enjoy this astonishing view at the top of Corbinières, there is no need to tackle the 70 metres of altitude difference that separate it from the bottom. A shaded path on the wooded cliffs will take you to the summit for a splendid view: a view of the old railway viaduct that rises and stretches from one bank to the other over the winding river. If you like cycling, the pretty Corbinières mountain bike path is a great way to discover this loop of the Vilaine on the towpath.

MONT GARROT

Saint-Suliac

In Brittany, tourism and legends often go together. This is the case of Mont Garrot in Saint-Suliac which is said to be the burial site of the giant Gargantua. From the top of this ridge culminating at 72 metres, legend is intertwined with history because south of Mont Garrot, as you look towards Ville-es-Nonais, you can see the remains of a construction called Camp Viking. Between myths and facts, Mont Garrot bears the marks of a very rich, but barely documented history, which still gives it a mysterious aura today.

THE BELVEDERE

Mézières-sur-Couesnon

Situated 30 km north-west of Rennes, Couesnon Valley is a remarkable site. Regularly mentioned as one of the loveliest walks in the region, this adventure along the Couesnon will take you to the belvedere at La Roche, which offers an unmissable view of the valley.

VALLON DE LA CHAMBRE AU LOUP

Iffendic

The “Grand Canyon” of the region, the Vallon de la Chambre au Loup is undoubtedly a wonder for the eyes. Local artists are inspired by the purple colour of its shale rocks, the gold of its gorse, the yellow of the broom and the violet of the heathers. It is a magnificent 70-hectare valley of moors and woodlands, offering walkers a grandiose view. As you reach the top of a headland, you will discover an incredible landscape of moors and rocky outcrops dominating the valley, while not far away there is a stone shaped like a wolf howling towards the sky. With a bit of luck, you might find the traces of a neolithic camp where hunters settled.

POINTE DU MOULINET

Dinard

Here at Pointe du Moulinet you’ll find a view of the Rance estuary and the sea, facing Saint-Malo, Cézembre and Grand Bé. In Dinard, along the coast, the panorama surrounds you: the sails and reflections of the sun on the water on one side; the villas with multiple architectural styles on the other. Lawrence of Arabia walked the length and breadth of this rocky tip and gave his name to a famous picturesque walk.

Natural pool, pointe du Moulinet in Dinard

Pointe du Moulinet and its villas in Dinard

THE JARDINS DU PRESBYTÈRE

Bécherel

The charming and picturesque medieval village of Bécherel is a small town of character and a great Book Town which beats to the rhythm of cultural events. Its many little streets and book shops give it a particular character that you can soak up before reaching the Jardins du Presbytère. Its maze of little walls and stairs will take you to a sensational view of the surrounding countryside. Somewhat curiously for such an idyllic place, the 8-km walk is called Les Roches du Diable (Devil’s Rocks).