Hiking
Elevation gain
83 m
Duration
2 heures
Difficulté
Facile
Distance
6 km
We fell in love with this legendary loop with the evocative name: the Devil's Circus, located a short distance from the lodge, in the small village of Châtellier. This hike, certified by the FFRandonnée (French Federation of Hiking Associations), offered us a concentration of nature, heritage, and mystery... all in a breathtaking setting!
🧭 A magical loop between woods, rocks and ancient tales
The trail begins at the top of the village of Châtellier, a peaceful village with a discreet charm. The path quickly leads us into a world where stone and forest seem to have been in dialogue for centuries.
At every turn, nature becomes more present, denser, more sculpted. Granite blocks emerge from the ground like sleeping giants. The trees sometimes open to reveal a panorama, an old sunken path, or an improbable clearing where, it is said, legends come to life...
🌳 Demons and wonders in the heart of Ille-et-Vilaine
The very name of this circuit, “the Devil’s Circus,” leaves a bit of a mystery. Why the hell is it called this? Is it because of the shape of the terrain, or the stories whispered for generations? What is certain is that the atmosphere that emanates from this walk is unique.
Following the path, we pass through areas where the stone surfaces, rough, massive, as if placed there by a divine (or demonic!) hand. Then come the undergrowth, damp, mossy, where the light filters gently through the foliage..
A perfect balance between open landscapes and more intimate passages, always well marked and maintained.
🥾 A hike labeled FFRandonnée
This circuit benefits from the “Balade FFRandonnée” label, a true guarantee of quality. This label is awarded by the Departmental Hiking Committee of Ille-et-Vilaine, according to around twenty criteria. :
- Clear and regular markings
- Course safety
- Maintenance and accessibility
- Heritage and landscape interest
👉 The Devil's Circus ticks all the boxes, and it's a pleasure to walk through it without ever wondering if you're on the right path..
🌺 A beautiful finale near the Botanical Park
The loop ends in the immediate vicinity of the Botanical Park of Upper Brittany, another jewel of the region. Even without entering, behind the hedges and low walls you can glimpse a world teeming with flowers, trails, and extraordinary gardens..
This is a great idea for a day trip: hiking in the morning, visiting the park in the afternoon, or vice versa. In any case, the diversity of the landscapes and the atmosphere of this loop make every moment enchanting.
🍎 Our feeling: a real suspended moment
We loved this hike. Every step offered a surprise: a rock sculpted by time, a tree with a twisted trunk like a living legend, a winding path worthy of a story..
This is exactly the kind of place we like to recommend to our guests: uncrowded, rich in meaning, and wonderfully preserved. The Devil's Circus lives up to its name: it fascinates, challenges, and leaves a lasting impression..
The Devil's Circus