Hiking near Saint-Brieuc
Between verdant valleys and wooded hills, follow in the footsteps of Brittany's first builders on an unusual hike to discover the megaliths of Vieux-Bourg.
This 18-km loop immerses you in the region's ancient history, at the heart of a mysterious and fascinating heritage.
Book your room at a hotel in Saint-Brieuc, just a few kilometers from Vieux-Bourg, to fully enjoy it!
The trail begins in front of Vieux-Bourg town hall.
From the very first steps, you'll be walking on land steeped in history: Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered in the area, testifying to the site's importance over the centuries.
Continuing along the trail, you'll follow an ancient Roman road, lined with embankments and centuries-old trees, before reaching the famous Croix de Botudo, also known as the Croix de la Justice.
Standing at the end of the old Roman road, this monolithic cross is as intriguing as it is fascinating.
Legend has it that a refractory priest was executed there during the French Revolution. It is said that, since then, the grass has not grown back where he knelt.
A true symbol of local heritage, the Botudo Cross embodies the memory and mysteries of the Vieux-Bourg.
The trail continues towards the standing stones and dolmens of Pasquiou, monumental remains erected over 7,000 years ago.
These standing stones, sometimes Christianized, punctuate the countryside and recall the deep connection between spirituality and nature in Breton culture.
Not far from there, the Saint-Gildas-des-Prés chapel, rebuilt in the 16th century, is worth a stop.
It houses three tombstones engraved with the coats of arms of the lords of Lescanic, as well as a very ancient flat cross dating from 1603.
Along two fields, you will also discover the Christianized menhir of Pasquiou, surmounted by a cross.
And a little further on stands the Crec'h Ogel menhir, an impressive monolith nearly five meters high.
The climb to the ridge offers a superb view of the Pays de Quintin.
Here, nature stretches as far as the eye can see: hedgerows, meadows, and forests create a typically Breton landscape, ideal for a contemplative break before heading back.
Allow approximately 4.5 hours for this loop, accessible to all heritage and nature lovers.
After this timeless stroll, discover another side of Breton terroir by taking a seat at the La Taverne restaurant at the Hôtel Duguesclin in the heart of Saint-Brieuc.
This 18-km loop immerses you in the region's ancient history, at the heart of a mysterious and fascinating heritage.
Book your room at a hotel in Saint-Brieuc, just a few kilometers from Vieux-Bourg, to fully enjoy it!
A hike in the footsteps of ancient civilizations
The trail begins in front of Vieux-Bourg town hall.From the very first steps, you'll be walking on land steeped in history: Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered in the area, testifying to the site's importance over the centuries.
Continuing along the trail, you'll follow an ancient Roman road, lined with embankments and centuries-old trees, before reaching the famous Croix de Botudo, also known as the Croix de la Justice.
The Botudo Cross: Between Legend and History
Standing at the end of the old Roman road, this monolithic cross is as intriguing as it is fascinating.
Legend has it that a refractory priest was executed there during the French Revolution. It is said that, since then, the grass has not grown back where he knelt.
A true symbol of local heritage, the Botudo Cross embodies the memory and mysteries of the Vieux-Bourg.
Dolmens, Standing Stones, and Ancient Chapels
The trail continues towards the standing stones and dolmens of Pasquiou, monumental remains erected over 7,000 years ago.
These standing stones, sometimes Christianized, punctuate the countryside and recall the deep connection between spirituality and nature in Breton culture.
Not far from there, the Saint-Gildas-des-Prés chapel, rebuilt in the 16th century, is worth a stop.
It houses three tombstones engraved with the coats of arms of the lords of Lescanic, as well as a very ancient flat cross dating from 1603.
Along two fields, you will also discover the Christianized menhir of Pasquiou, surmounted by a cross.
And a little further on stands the Crec'h Ogel menhir, an impressive monolith nearly five meters high.
An exceptional panorama
The climb to the ridge offers a superb view of the Pays de Quintin.
Here, nature stretches as far as the eye can see: hedgerows, meadows, and forests create a typically Breton landscape, ideal for a contemplative break before heading back.
Allow approximately 4.5 hours for this loop, accessible to all heritage and nature lovers.
After this timeless stroll, discover another side of Breton terroir by taking a seat at the La Taverne restaurant at the Hôtel Duguesclin in the heart of Saint-Brieuc.
