La Bouëxière is a town in the Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany region, 20 kilometers north-east of Rennes.
The vast communal territory (50 km²) is surrounded by the forests of Liffré in the north and Chevré, in the south, while being crossed by the river of the Veuvre. The landscape outside the town consists of wetlands, forests and hedgerow, with meadows surrounded by hedges.
Megaliths and vestiges of Roman occupation brought to light attest to a very ancient human presence.
To the north-west of the current town center, Chevré, a first town was built in the 12th century, whose lords are vassals of Baron de Vitré.
Under the old regime, several seigniories share the lands and the village of La Bouëxière takes advantage of its strategic position on the Liffré-Vitré axis to develop, as well as the installation of a blast furnace since the 18th century and many mills that complement the agricultural activity.
Forges are installed in the nineteenth century that contribute to the wealth of the locality, and the town has nearly 2,500 inhabitants at the dawn of the twentieth century. In the wake of the conurbation of Rennes, in the 1990s, the economic and craft activity remains alive and the city exceeds 4,000 inhabitants.
La Bouëxière, the village as its many hamlets, has preserved its historical heritage. Its green setting and its range of cultural and leisure activities make it a pleasant stopover for anyone staying in Brittany.
The town has an important historical heritage built whose discovery can begin by visiting the site of Chevré, north-west of the town.
It is a true medieval village dominated by its 12th century castle mound, with a 13th century circular donjon, a refurbished 15th century priory church, a Romanesque bridge and typical dwellings. and character. The partially classified group has preserved all its authenticity and adjoins a pond of 24 hectares with protected fauna and flora. A path along its banks has been laid out, as well as play and relaxation areas and a fitness trail. The site is also the starting point for many hiking and mountain biking.
At the level of the town of La Bouëxière and the hamlets that dot the territory, other civil buildings are worth a look, such as the castle of Bertry (fifteenth century), that of the Carrefour (seventeenth) or the former seigniorial manor house. the Bouëxière whose oldest parts date from the twelfth century.
A dozen other mansions on the territory attest to the wealth of yesteryear.
The old ironworks and mills that contributed to the prosperity of the locality can also be a goal for a walk.
In terms of religious heritage, the Saint-Martin-de-Tours church of La Bouëxière (16th century, remodeled in the 19th century) and the old priory of Saint-Martin and Allion are also worth a look, as well as the amazing chapel Saint-Pair, built by loggers in the twentieth century.
As is also the tradition in Brittany, many crosses and crucifixes, the oldest of which date back to the seventeenth century are still visible in different hamlets.
In terms of the environment, in addition to the charms of the hedgerow landscape, the town has several protected natural areas with a remarkable ecosystem. This is the case of the pond and the Chevré forest and pond Pagerie.
Many opportunities for hiking or mountain biking are possible, including the various remarkable sites of the locality. Documentation and information on +33 2 99 62 62 95 or +33 2 99 78 47 47.
It is also possible to contact the local hiking club on +33 2 99 62 60 17 or the association dedicated to mountain biking on +33 2 99 00 32 88.
For a game of tennis, shorts can be booked +33 2 99 04 45 57 and finally, fishing enthusiasts must learn about the practical arrangements at +33 2 99 62 64 36.
On the cultural level, multimedia workshops and exhibitions are regularly programmed at the media library (information +33 2 99 62 67 43) and shows are offered throughout the year at the Blot room (information +33 2 99 62 62 95).
The third week of March, the festival Ton'Eire Bouëx program concerts Celtic music (groups from Britain and Ireland) in an atmosphere always friendly. A fest-noz concludes the festival.
The third week of May, Vagabondages et Compagnie is a festival dedicated to young audiences (theater shows, circus arts, concerts).
The second Saturday of September, association forum at the multipurpose room Blot.
During the first half of October, the departmental festival of Grand Soufflet, devoted to the accordion, is still stopping at La Bouëxière.
In mid-October, the Gardeners' Trocante offers purses and exhibitions of flowers and plants.
Finally, every Thursday morning, the downtown market maintains the market gardening tradition and agriculture of the town. The opportunity to discover the riches of the soil, as can also be enjoyed in several farms (livestock, dairy) open regularly to the public.
