The best traffic-free bike rides around Sainte-Colombe

The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church was built in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style by Aristide Tourneux, an architect from Castelgiron. With a touch of humor, the town's priest in 1912 wanted to give "cats to the girons": Arthur Regnault, a sculptor, therefore sculpted cats at the four corners of the bell tower. Having collapsed in 1998 following a severe storm, the bell tower was rebuilt identically in 2000.

Church attested in the 12th century. Nave flanked by a north aisle, built between 1540 and 1549 (date of consecration by the bishop of Rennes), and by a south aisle, built between 1603 and 1605 (dates inscribed). Inscription on the south door: ESTANT NOBLE ET DISCRET PRESTRE : RENE DE L'ESPINAY RECTEUR DE PIRE : SIEUR DE LA GUAYE FUT CESTE EDIF : CE COMMENCE. SA (NC) TE DEUS SA (NC) TE FORTIS SA (NC) TE IMORTALIS MISERERE NOBIS SA (NC) TE PETRE ORA P (RO) NOBIS : TOUT EST A Dieu 1603. The choir was first rebuilt in 1627, then surmounted by a dome struck by lightning in 1741, then again between 1752 and 1775, flanked by side sacristies. Bell tower at the top of the nave rebuilt in 1669. In 1874, architect Aristide Tourneux had a bay added to the north of the nave and a porch-tower surmounted by a spire built. Stained glass windows signed and dated: Claudius Lavergne 1882, and also stained glass windows from the Rault workshops and the Carmel of Le Mans. South wall of the enclosure redone in the 19th century with a monumental corner staircase.

It originally consisted of a simple nave built in the 15th and 16th centuries, and whose straight chancel was rebuilt in 1700. The church, thus restored, was solemnly blessed by the rector on August 2, 1761. In 1806, a chapel dedicated to Saint Margaret was added to the south, and in 1818, to the north, the tower was partly redone, with at its base the chapel of the Virgin Mary. The lord Du Val, at Saint-Didier, has in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste a tomb where Jean de La Porte, lord Du Val, was buried in 1618, and in 1761 Suzanne Marion, daughter of lord Du Val and widow of Charles Du Boispéan. M. de Guersans, vicar general, erected the confraternity of the Holy Spirit at Saint-Jean-sur-Vilaine on June 25, 1746. Several foundations exist in this church: that of Le Poirier, that of La Bâte, that of La Porte. Jeanne Guyot, lady of La Hamonais, founded an annuity of 36 livres for the maintenance of candles during the octave of the Blessed Sacrament.

15th-century church. Choir remodeled in the 17th century during the construction of the altarpiece. North transept arm built in 1662. Nave remodeled in the 19th century: vaulting, side walls, enlargement of a bay with reuse of the portal, repair of the buttresses. In 1903, restoration of the roof and masonry by Arthur Regnault, choir mosaics by Odorico recently covered. 16th-century enclosure cross.

This parish belonged to the Collegiate Church Notre Dame de VITRE until the year 1116. It was then handed over to the Abbey of Saint Melaine (in RENNES). SAINT-DIDIER, the patron saint of the Parish, is undoubtedly the holy bishop of RENNES who lived at the end of the 7th century. His statue is part of the altarpiece of the high altar (1721), as well as that of Saint GOLVEN.

The Saint-Pierre church was built between 1885 and 1888. The plans were drawn up by the architect Michel Gelly. Due to a lack of financial resources, the building never received a spire.

With nearly 20 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 4 meters high, the Roche-aux-Fées remains the largest dolmen in France and one of the best-preserved in Europe. It is composed of a schist-covered passage formed by four chambers whose meaning has not yet been revealed. Although the construction of this monument dates back to the Neolithic period, around 2000 BC, specialists remain perplexed about its construction method. The site is impressive. And when you know that some stones weighing over 40 tons come from several kilometers around, you wonder how the inhabitants of the time managed to move them there. Such a site could only inspire stories, legends, and beliefs. One of them tells that the fairy Viviane, aided by fellow fairies, would have built this imposing monument... in one night. Another concerns lovers: to know if their union will last, couples must walk around the Roche-aux-fées, each in a different direction, and count the stones. If they find the same number of stones, their future will be bright! Through a mysterious alignment during the winter solstice on December 21st or 22nd, the sun rises facing the entrance of the dolmen. At that moment, the light rays magically illuminate the stone located at the back of the covered passage. Access is free and open. The small surrounding roads are charming and quiet.

Short video of the site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqEBsKL7P7s