The Globule Walk
Join this charity walk to promote blood donation and support a great cause in a friendly atmosphere.
Plizio Visual Lab
Montauban-de-Bretagne
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Montauban-de-Bretagne
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The town is a major crossroads; if traveling between Rennes and the coast, it's a well-suited spot for a historic detour.
- While the Château de Montauban is privately owned, you can still admire its impressive medieval exterior and grounds from nearby paths.
- Breton weather can be unpredictable, so always carry a light rain jacket even in summer.
- Parking is usually easy to find around the Place de l'Église in the town center.
🍽 Food
🍽
Galettes Bretonnes
Savour these savory buckwheat crepes in a traditional crêperie in the town center.
🍽
Local Cider
Pair your meal with locally produced Breton cider, typically served in a traditional bowl (bolée).
🍽
Kouign-Amann
Grab this buttery, caramelized pastry from a local boulangerie for a sweet treat.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Wednesday Market
Head to the weekly market for fresh local produce, seafood, and regional cheese.
🛍
Breton Biscuits
Look for local patisseries selling traditional Palets Bretons and butter cookies.
🧘
Forêt de Montauban
Escape into this sprawling local forest for a peaceful walk under a canopy of ancient trees.
🧘
Riverside Paths
Stroll along the calm waters of the Garun river that flows near the town.
Water temperature…
Montauban-de-Bretagne is a strategic town located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, serving as a gateway to western Brittany. Its history is deeply rooted in the feudal era, characterized by its formidable 12th-century castle, which served as a bastion for the Lords of Montauban during the conflicts between the Duchy of Brittany and the Kingdom of France. The town is situated on a plateau overlooking the Garun Valley, providing an easy on the eye setting for its mix of traditional stone houses and modern developments. Today, it acts as a significant economic pole for the surrounding rural communes, benefiting from its direct connection to the city of Rennes via the N12 road. The area is also famous for its connection to the Arthurian legends, as it lies on the outskirts of the Brocéliande forest. This unique blend of historical gravitas, legendary surroundings, and modern accessibility makes Montauban-de-Bretagne a key destination for those exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the Breton peninsula.
- Location: Bretagne, France
- Top sights: Saint-Éloi Church · Chapel of Lannelou · Ville-Cotterel Manor
- Nearby: Montfort-sur-Meu (10 km)
- Population: ~6.597
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 58 | 57 | 46 | 58 | 50 | 48 | 47 | 42 | 75 | 77 | 80 |
Geography
Facts
- The municipality merged with Saint-M'Hervon on January 1, 2019.
- The medieval castle was built on the site of an earlier wooden fort.
- It is located in the western part of the Ille-et-Vilaine department.
- The town features a variety of local shops and a weekly market.
- The forest of Montauban is a protected natural area.
- It is part of the 'Pays de Brocéliande' tourism region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Montauban-de-Bretagne (4)
Frequently asked questions
How far is Rennes from Montauban-de-Bretagne?
The town is located about 30 km west of Rennes, reachable via the N12 in about 25 minutes.
Are there historical sights?
Visit the ruins of the Montauban castle and the Notre-Dame-de-Lannelou chapel.
Is the town a good starting point for the Brocéliande forest?
Yes, the legendary Brocéliande (Paimpont) forest is just a short drive away.
Where to relax in nature?
The Étang de la Chaussée lake has a beautiful setting for walks and fishing.
When is market day?
The local market takes place every Wednesday morning at the Place de la Liberté.
Montauban-de-Bretagne: where is it located?
Montauban-de-Bretagne is located in Bretagne, France.
Montauban-de-Bretagne: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Éloi Church, Chapel of Lannelou, Ville-Cotterel Manor.
Montauban-de-Bretagne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Montauban-de-Bretagne: why is it worth visiting?
Montauban-de-Bretagne is a strategic town located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, serving as a gateway to western Brittany.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Rennes
Rennes is the capital of Brittany and a lively university city with half-timbered houses and a strong cultural scene.
Quimper
Quimper is the historic capital of Cornouaille and is known for its cathedral, ceramics, and Breton identity.
Lorient
Lorient is a modern harbor in Brittany and is known for seafaring, shipbuilding, and the large Interceltique festival.
Vannes
Vannes is a fortified Breton city with half-timbered houses, harbor charm, and access to the Gulf of Morbihan.
Saint-Brieuc
Saint-Brieuc is the prefecture of Côtes-d'Armor and a good starting point for the bay and coast of northern Brittany.
Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a fortified harbor town on the Channel coast, famous for its walls and seafaring history.
Lanester
A dynamic industrial city in Brittany, located at the confluence of the Scorff and Blavet rivers opposite Lorient.
Fougères
An impressive medieval city in Brittany, home to one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.
Lannion
Lannion is the gateway to the Pink Granite Coast in Brittany and a leading technology hub for telecommunications.
Concarneau
Concarneau is a major Breton port city, famous for its medieval fortified island known as the Ville Close.
Ploemeur
A charming coastal city in Brittany, renowned for its extensive beaches and prehistoric megalithic sites.
Morlaix
A Breton city famous for its monumental railway viaduct and unique timber-framed houses.
Vitré
Vitré is a splendid medieval town in Brittany, renowned for its imposing castle and exceptionally well-preserved historic center.
Pontivy
A dual-faced city in the heart of Brittany, shaped by the powerful Rohan castle and ambitious Napoleonic urban planning.
Douarnenez
A port city on the Atlantic coast, famous for its sardine fishing and maritime heritage.