Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Symphorien - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Symphorien include a network of canals and historical sites. This region offers a blend of natural waterways and architectural landmarks. Visitors can explore historical churches and unique engineering marvels along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Symphorien
- The most popular attractions is Ille-et-Rance Canal, a canal that connects the cities of Rennes and Saint-Malo. This greenway offers pleasant…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Ille-et-Rance Canal
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Site des Onze écluses
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Catholic Church - St. Justine of Gévezé
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Church of the Holy Trinity
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Lock on the Ille-et-Rance Canal
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Tips from the Community
Departure from the pretty town of Combourg with its lake and castle, passing through the Chapelle au Filsmen to join the canal towards Dinan, various pretty, well-maintained locks, half-turn to Evran where there is a site for bivouac camping, and a food truck. The ideal is to go to Dinan, a very pretty historic town, you arrive directly at the port with various shops.
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Outing with road bike equipped with 28 mm tires, only the parts recently redone; with very large gravel; are uncomfortable.
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Always a good spot for a walk on the Rance!
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Beautiful view of the canal. There is a path along it, but it might not be suitable for a road bike with thin tires. Great place for a picnic. A little history : Construction of the Ille-et-Rance canal began in 1804, under Napoleon I, and ended in 1832. The bulk of the work focused on the 11 Hédé-Bazouges locks which connect the two rivers. A real aquatic ladder, they allow you to overcome a 27 m difference in height. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the canal's vocation was essentially commercial between Rennes and Saint-Malo, but little by little the railways and then the road took over, announcing the decline of this economic vocation. Today, the transport of goods has given way to river tourism.
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The Ille-et-Rance canal is a small canal which connects the cities of Rennes and Saint-Malo. It starts at the “Mail” lock in Rennes and ends at the “Châtelier” lock in Saint-Samson-sur-Rance in Côtes-d’Armor. This section of the Ille & Rance canal coming from Dinan, which is also a greenway, will take you to Montreuil-sur-Ille. It is on its own site, except for a very small part of less than 2 km, which takes a small, safe road. This greenway is very pleasant, offering very pretty landscapes decorated with beautifully flowered lock keepers' houses.
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The current church was founded in the 20th century by Arthur Regnault as an extension of an 11th century church. The neo-Romanesque style building is decorated with a Finistère bell tower and numerous gables and domes. The interior is composed of a magnificent high altar in the form of a kiosk. The white stone arcades and balconies blend with the finesse of the gilding of the decor.
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The current church was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Arthur Regnault on the site of an 11th century church in the shape of a Latin cross2. Certain elements of the previous church were reused in the current building. (Wikipedia)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of attractions can I explore around Saint-Symphorien?
The area around Saint-Symphorien is characterized by its unique blend of natural waterways and historical architecture. You'll find scenic canals, impressive lock systems, and historical churches. The Ille-et-Rance Canal is a central feature, offering pleasant landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Are there any unique engineering marvels to see?
Yes, the Site des Onze écluses (Eleven Locks Site) is a must-see. This series of 11 manually operated locks spans just over 2 kilometers, allowing boats to overcome a 27-meter elevation difference on the Ille-et-Rance Canal. Each lock has its own lock keeper's house in the Napoleonic style, making it a picturesque and fascinating spot.
What historical churches are worth visiting in the area?
You can visit the Catholic Church - St. Justine of Gévezé, which has parts dating back to the 12th century and features elements from 15th and 16th-century reconstructions, including gargoyles and crossettes. Another notable site is the Church of the Holy Trinity, a neo-Romanesque building from the early 20th century built on the site of an 11th-century church, known for its Finistère bell tower and ornate interior.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, especially along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. You can enjoy cycling and walking along the greenway. For more structured activities, consider exploring the nearby routes for hiking, cycling, and running. Many routes incorporate sections of the canal and its locks.
Are there family-friendly activities around Saint-Symphorien?
Absolutely. The towpath along the Ille-et-Rance Canal is flat and easy-going, making it suitable for family walks and bike rides. The Site des Onze écluses is also a fascinating place for all ages to observe the manual operation of the locks and enjoy the artistic background. The locks themselves are considered a family-friendly viewpoint.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Ille-et-Rance Canal?
Visitors frequently praise the Ille-et-Rance Canal for its pleasant landscapes and the beautifully flowered lock keepers' houses. It's described as a gorgeous ride along the towpath, offering a flat and easy experience. Many find it a nice, peaceful route for walking and cycling, with well-maintained areas and even a free bicycle repair station available for cyclists.
Can I find hiking trails near the attractions?
Yes, there are several hiking trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find routes like the 'Montmuran Circuit' or the 'Étang de Bazouges loop from Hédé'. Many trails incorporate sections of the canal and its locks, offering scenic walks. You can find more details on hiking routes around Saint-Symphorien.
Are there cycling routes suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the cycling routes around Saint-Symphorien cater to various skill levels. You can find moderate routes like the 'Lock No. 30 La Guéhardière – Ville Morin Lock loop from Hédé' (41.4 km) or more challenging ones such as the 'Site des Onze écluses – Moucherie Lock loop from Saint-Symphorien' (20.1 km). The canal's greenway itself offers an easy, flat ride. Explore more options on the cycling guide for Saint-Symphorien.
What is the best time to visit the canal and its attractions?
Given the description of the Ille-et-Rance Canal as a 'greenway' with 'beautifully flowered lock keepers' houses' and 'pleasant landscapes', the warmer months from spring through early autumn would likely be the most enjoyable for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and observing the locks in operation.
Are there any viewpoints to appreciate the scenery?
Yes, the Lock on the Ille-et-Rance Canal offers beautiful views of the canal itself. The Site des Onze écluses also provides a great vantage point to observe the unique aquatic elevator system and the surrounding peaceful environment.
What is the historical significance of the Ille-et-Rance Canal?
The construction of the Ille-et-Rance Canal began in 1804 under Napoleon I and was completed in 1832. Its primary purpose was commercial transport between Rennes and Saint-Malo. While its economic role declined with the advent of railways and roads, it now serves as a significant route for river tourism and a cherished natural and historical landmark.
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