Walking 3h Circuit 1

Departure from the port of Tréhiguier between La Roche Bernard and Pénestin in southern Morbihan

Circuit 1: From the Port to the ponds

Duration of the trip: 3 hours

Number of kilometers: 11 kms

Two possibilities of departure for this loop which leads you from the principal poles of habitat towards the rural and preserved heart of Pénestin. During this walk, you will meet elements of the heritage of the town: whether natural, historical or technical, these riches are constitutive of local identity.

Thus, Tréhiguier (the "old village" in old Breton) is the small port of Pénestin. Previously, activities and the mussel population were grouped together. But in 1969, the construction of the Arzal dam upset the ecological equilibrium of the Vilaine Estuary, generating an important phenomenon of siltation that makes navigation difficult and impossible for mussel farming. However, Tréhiguier remains the traditional dwelling place for mussel growers.

You will also see on the port, the old Saint Yves chapel. Adorned with the coat of arms of the Rieux (former lords of the country) and probably dating from the fourteenth century, it is adjacent to an old monastery.

While taking the street of the Port, stop a few moments in front of the lighthouse. Built in 1561, commissioned the following year, it was automated in 1971, shut down and decommissioned in 1989 (due to the increasing siltation of the channel, which prevents vessels from passing and makes this fire unnecessary). Purchased by the municipality in 1993, this building, 21 meters high, houses since 1995 the mussel house.

You will cross the square Kerlochet, all houses seem to watch over the small central well.

You will pass in Kerascouet, which also has its collective well, place of conviviality where the last news of the "country" was exchanged.

At Berniguet, one of the highest sites in Pénestin, take advantage of the magnificent view over the Vilaine Estuary.

Kermouraud, the Wood of the Lande and the Foy (of the Latin "fagus", beech), located on both sides of the road of the Rock Bernard are the most wooded sectors of the municipal territory Oaks and firs dominate the vegetation from this refuge for many animal species that you may have the chance to cross: wild boars, chevreuiis and other cervids, partridges, pheasants and hens pheasants appreciate these quiet corners with many water points.

Indeed, several ponds complete this landscape: that of Kermouraud and those of Toquen, artificial and the Pontoir, near which a beautiful stone house is placed, guardian of the tranquility of this place.

You will also walk along the treatment plant, the lungs of the town, especially in summer when the demand for drinking water is very strong. Inaugurated in 1998, this equipment benefits from the most modern techniques. The route also takes you to the Trémer path, where is the manor house of the same name located near the village of Pénestin.