Hiking
Elevation gain
101 m
Duration
Between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
7.7 km
🏞️ Discovering Monthault, between legendary stones and secret paths
Just an 8-minute drive from the Au Lutin Pommé gîte, the small village of Monthault offers an immersion in history, nature... and a hint of mystery.
Built around its church, the village has retained its old-world layout. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you'll discover many 16th- and 17th-century houses, typical of the Fougères region: stair towers on the rear facade, round-arched doorways, steep roofs, and facades with rare but elegant openings. The understated, rustic decor is a testament to the local rural heritage.
⛰️ The Rocher de Monthault: a site steeped in legends
We were told: "If you come to Monthault, don't forget to go up there." And we quickly understand why!
The Rocher de Monthault, nestled on a wooded hill, is a place apart.
We discover:
- The Notre-Dame de la Délivrance chapel, perched at the summit, renowned for its miracles, has been rebuilt several times since the Revolution thanks to the fervor of the locals.
-
Four legendary stones, each with its own incredible story:
- The Screaming Stone, slipped by young girls in search of a husband
- The Stone of Sacrifice, intriguing by its shape
- The Devil's Stone, marked by the anger of the Evil One
- The Monk's Stone, refuge of a solitary hermit, resembling a dolmen
We had a truly unique time there: between silence, granite, forests and thrills, the site invites contemplation... or daydreaming.
🌿 The Bois Ainaux art trail
A little further down, the Bois Ainaux valley, a former quarry and then farm, is today a haven of peace for flora and fauna.
There is a trail called "Secrets of the Valley", punctuated by 5 discovery stations and monumental granite sculptures.
Among our favorites:
- The Devil's Hand
- Five drops by boat
- The Devil's Bench
- The imprint
These works, the fruit of artistic symposiums organized in the Louvigné region, bring a real surprise at every turn.
The contrast between raw nature and contemporary art is superb. We loved walking there: between the massive rocks, the wooden deckchairs, and the sounds of nature, it's an ideal place to recharge your batteries, even with children.
🧭 Practical information
- 📍 Monthault is 8 minutes from the gîte by car
- 🥾 Easy trail, accessible with good shoes
- 📷 Ideal for nature, heritage and photography lovers
- 🧺 Picnic tables and benches on site
- 📜 Interpretation panels accompany the route
- 🕊️ Free access
💬 In summary
Whether you're a history buff, a keen walker, or simply curious, Monthault is a wonderful surprise just minutes from the cottage. Between mysterious stones, a hilltop chapel, an art trail, and old houses, this village truly has something magical about it.
