Small town of Morbihan in Brittany, Arzal takes place about thirty kilometers from Vannes and its famous covered market, on the estuary of the Vilaine. It is located not far from Ferel, and Muzillac Pénestin.
One that takes its name from the Celtic "are" meaning near and Latin "sal", salt, had a history linked to the culture of salt produced on the Guérande peninsula and the peninsula of Rhuys located nearby. Arzal remains today crossed by the old path of salt smugglers or smugglers of salt that flowed past their cargoes discreetly.
Full of charm, the Breton town has preserved its rich history many remains in perfect condition to discover during a walk.
Listed building, the Chapel of St. John the Baptist was built in the twelfth century by the Knights Templar then owners of the locality, the Lantiern. Rebuilt in the fourteenth and fifteenth century, it later became an annex of the Malansac hospital before being transformed again in the seventeenth century. Revealing an irregular plan T, mixing building styles and epochs, with Gothic elements such as the choir, or novel, like the nave. Inside, you can admire the original seven altars there, beautiful stained glass windows by Michel Gigon or more objects classified as an eighteenth century chalice or a processional cross from the late seventeenth. Outside, at the bedside of the chapel, you will appreciate the smoothness of the cross carved monolith of Christ the fourteenth century.
Strolling in the Breton town, you can also enjoy several other castles or manor houses with interesting architecture as BROEL Castle on the banks of the Vilaine, which dates largely from the seventeenth century, the mansion Silz eighteenth or mansion Noy. Do not miss the Saint Martin church and its typical Breton architecture.
Largest dam in Europe estuary Arzal Dam was built in the early 1970s on the Vilaine. Serving originally regulate the beginning of the river upstream, it is now accessible to the public can observe the locks, walk along the water or even discover fish migration. Visits in groups are proposed from May to September by the Institute for Development of the Vilaine.
Strolling on the hillsides of the estuary of the Vilaine, you will discover the old flour mills of the sixteenth century that still stand proudly despite their arrest after the Second World War. Take particular time to admire the mill Séréac renovated in 1970 and now a historic monument.
To enjoy the fauna and flora, you can take the nature trail of Cosca or visit the marina.
15 August, the town hosts Festiv'Arz Arzal, a festive event centered on culture and Breton traditions.
