Saint-Samson-Sur-Rance: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The history and landscape of Saint-Samson-sur-Rance can be seen in its historic landmarks, waterside paths and places around the Rance.

History and Architecture

The Menhir de la Tiemblais is almost 8 metres high and bears engraved markings on three sides. It has been classified as a Monument historique since 2 March 1977; it is generally dated to between 3000 and 2500 BC.

The church of Saint-Samson also preserves some remarkable individual features. It was rebuilt in 1740 by the architect Michel Marion from Saint-Malo. Inside is a 17th-century statue of the Virgin and Child, based on models from workshops in Maine. The wooden lectern has been classified as a Monument historique since 1956.

Châtelier on the Rance

Châtelier is the last lock before the sea in a network of 48 locks. The landing stage at Châtelier lies on the edge of a cliff at the eastern municipal boundary of Saint-Samson-sur-Rance. The Châtelier site is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the maritime Rance.

Between the Châtelier lock and the Pont de Lessard, a few fishing huts for Carrelet fishing on stilts can still be seen. Some of the remaining Carrelet fishing huts have been abandoned and are falling into disrepair.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The local hiking trails have been signposted for some time. La balade du Tertre is an easy 3.7-kilometre route starting at the stadium in the town centre. La balade du Châtelier is 7.5 kilometres long, has a moderate difficulty level and starts at Port du Châtelier. In addition, a voie verte towards Dinard is signposted, while a towpath leads towards Dinan and Rennes.

The Balade Samsonnaise starts at the car park by the football pitch and follows the banks of the Rance for two hours. It passes the Menhir de la Tiemblais, the Châtelier lock, the Pont de Lessard and the church of Saint-Samson. Along the way, it uses a voie verte on a former railway line.

Water Activities at Petit Lyvet

At Petit Lyvet, the slipway has a gentle gradient and a surface that is partly paved. Old maps mention a path there leading to the Rance, where the riverbed narrows.

At the Port de la Hisse by the Châtelier lock in Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, Balades sur Rance offers hire of licence-free electric boats, water scooters, pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards and step paddleboards, as well as conventional bicycles and water bikes.

More Local Pages

More local pages: Pluzunet, Quemperven, Trévron, La Vicomté-Sur-Rance, Runan, Trezelan, Lanrivain, Crehen

To the higher-level travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.