Allaire is a town in Morbihan, Brittany, a few kilometers west of Redon.
Located at the crossroads of three departments (with Ille-et-Vilaine to the east and Loire-Atlantique to the south-east), its vast territory of 41 km² is bordered to the south by the right bank of the Vilaine and crossed by several of its small tributaries. Composed of a village and several hamlets, discreetly hilly, the town presents a rural landscape, alternating cultivated fields and meadows, some wooded areas, and typical Brittany moors.
While no monument from the prehistoric and Celtic periods is mentioned, we do know that in Antiquity, Allaire was crossed by a Roman road linking Vannes to Rieux. Occupied by Bretons from the 6th century onwards, the territory was then divided between various small seigneuries, fiefdoms living on agriculture and which contributed to the prosperity of a population which grew in the Middle Ages and then under the Ancien Régime..
Allaire now has nearly 3,900 inhabitants. Near Redon, the locality has preserved a heritage and an environment capable of attracting lovers of green tourism.
Like many Breton municipalities, Allaire has a rich religious heritage. A discovery trail can include the Brancheleux mill: originally, in fact, it was first of all one of those mills for flour milling which were built after the Revolution when the seigneurial rights were abolished. It was not until 1954 that it became a place of worship. Restored, with a frame, it is then capped by a granite statue made by the sculptor Guy Rouxel representing the Virgin. Since then, a very popular pilgrimage has taken place there on August 15 (feast of the Assumption).
Still in terms of religious heritage, the chapel of Sainte-Barbe (15th century, restored in the 18th century), the Saint-Eutrope chapel with a massive appearance (16th century, restored in 1976), the Saint- Etienne (16th century), at a place called Bois-Payen and finally the chapel of Laupo which adjoins a cross.
In the center of the village, finally, the parish church of Saint-Gaudens has its origins in the 8th century. The current building was rebuilt in the 17th century: only the nave, covered with a frame, and the bell tower on the western porch date from this period. The choir and the transept, on the other hand, were completely rebuilt in 1875. However, we notice the holy water fonts under the porch, which have been preserved and date back to the 9th century. The church also houses a wooden statue of the Virgin and Child dating from the 15th century (abandoned in a chapel, it was rediscovered after the Second World War).
Allaire has a "civil" heritage which is also intended to be rich and varied.
We will thus mention the area of the Quip mill: the building with a granite base has a pond and includes a source where water gushes out at a temperature of 18 degrees. The property which was a holiday center is now private.
Next, see the Coueslé manor, including main buildings and agricultural outbuildings, dating from the 15th century and reworked in the 17th century: the farm has become a municipal hall hosting receptions and shows and part of the outdoor spaces are public and dedicated at leisure (fishing, games, picnic).
Two other sites protected as historical monuments have a history which seems similar. It is on the one hand the manor of Deil. The 15th century house was remodeled in the 17th century in a classic style. With the outbuildings, it surrounds a courtyard and in a park, a dovecote and a fountain have been built. Changes were made in the 19th century. Visit possible for groups (contact on +33 2 99 71 06 04). The other site is the whole of Vau du Quip made up of a vast manor house with poultry yard and chapel, surrounded by a surrounding wall. The first mentions of Vau du Quip date from the 15th century. Changes were made afterwards. Visits possible in July and August for groups (contact on +33 2 99 71 06 04).
On the cultural side, the town has a media library where workshops, readings, meetings are regularly offered. Information on +33 2 99 71 93 58.
For "nature" sports and leisure, a sports area with skate-park is freely accessible at Les Prés Couris and a "dirt bike" area has been set up at La Perrière.
To book a tennis court, contact the local club on +33 6 88 62 95 86.
The vast and green territory is ideal for hikers: two hiking trails are signposted, one of which is specially dedicated to family audience, and a third has been designed for mountain bikers, 34 km long. They are all lined with panels highlighting natural and heritage sites. Maps and information on +33 2 99 71 06 04.
It is also possible to join the outings of the local walking and mountain biking club (information on +33 6 73 92 34 77) or to explore these bucolic landscapes during a walk on horseback (join the Écuries du Petit Manoir on +33 6 20 50 10 26).
Finally, for a fishing trip in a pond or on the banks of a stream or even the Vilaine, inquire at +33 6 71 22 58 86.
