La Mézière is a town in Ille-et-Vilaine, in the Brittany region, 12 km north of Rennes.
Its territory of 16 km² is still two-thirds covered by agricultural crops, despite an urbanization that has increased in recent decades due to its proximity to the metropolis of Rennes.
Already occupied before our era (presence of a menhir, uncovering of pottery and weapons dating from the Neolithic period), La Mézière is mentioned as a parish from the 13th century. In 1380, the Duke of Brittany Jean IV established a camp there to negotiate the departure of the English troops with the Earl of Buckingham. Later, the village was burnt down during the Wars of Religion (1597) and in the aftermath of the Revolution, violent fights took place between supporters of the republic and opponents.
Nowadays, crossed by the Voie de la Liberté which links the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy to Bastogne (Belgium) to commemorate the Allied victory in 1945, the town has abandoned its status as a rural village for that of a small town in the growing demography (nearly 5,000 inhabitants) with activity and leisure areas (cinema, bowling, etc.). However, certainly close to the Breton capital, La Mézière has preserved its green living environment and a heritage of interest...
A few sites in the locality bear witness to a quality heritage. This is the case of the Château de la Mauvière, to the south of the village, built in the 19th century on the land of the farm belonging to his family by the parliamentarian Emile-Eloi Carron de la Carrière. Comprising three levels, it is a summer residence of which one of the facades of three bays, with dormers surmounted by pediments, opens onto a porch and a terrace with glass roofs. The park, planted with rare species, was laid out in the 1930s and the whole was restored in 1968. The castle is not open to the public.
In the south-east of the village, the Château des Loges dates back to 1590: this manor was then extended in the 17th century and then in the 18th century. It was restored in 1949 with the resumption of the foundations and the reassembly of the south facade. The building has an L-shaped plan with a polygonal staircase tower at the corner. A rectangular pavilion has been added to the north. To the east of the main building built in granite stone, the outbuildings extend the ensemble and a chapel is located to the southwest. Sculpted decorations are also to be noticed. Future bishop of Metz then deputy of Lorraine annexed after the war of 1870, Mgr Dupont des Loges spent his childhood there. The property cannot be visited. However, it can be admired from the outside, whereas the other mansions that used to be part of the locality have less nobly stood the test of time…
Finally, you have to see the Church of Saint-Martin. Dating for the most part from the 15th century, with a nave which ended in a straight apse, and to which had been joined a tower and two chapels in 1830, it was destroyed by fire in 1866. The church was then rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style, according to a Latin cross plan, the architect having been able to "save" the octagonal tower. Several sculpted decorations can be observed on this imposing building, built in granite and freestone.
On the cultural side, the municipality's media library regularly organizes events (readings, meetings, exhibitions): information on +33 2 99 69 33 46. As for the Cassiopée room, which can accommodate more than 300 spectators, shows are scheduled there varied (theater, concerts) throughout the year: information on +33 2 99 69 33 36.
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure, despite urbanization, the town has preserved several green lungs in and around the village: thus, to the south, a grassy promenade links the Germaine Tillon college to the sports complex over a dozen hectares. There is a small green theater, a fitness trail, but also tennis courts, football fields, etc. Information on +33 2 99 69 33 36 and court reservations on +33 6 78 73 02 14.
Always dedicated to the promenade, a 2 hectare wetland lined with a tree-lined course, is located nearby.
In addition, no less than six signposted circuits, 6.5 to 15 km long, have been designed in the locality for hikers. Along the routes, heritage elements are to be observed but overall, it is the landscapes of still preserved groves that are highlighted. Other loops are possible, for example leading to Rennes... Maps and information on +33 2 99 78 47 47 and +33 2 99 69 33 36.
Finally, it is also possible to join the outings offered by the cycling club of March to October: contact +33 2 99 69 31 03 or +33 6 30 59 51 17.
Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the market on the town hall square gives pride of place to local products.
The Saturday before June 21, music festival in the town and at the Cassiopée room.
The last week of August, the "Bol d'Air" festival offers shows for all audiences in the evening, indoors or outdoors (street theater, dance, concerts).
