© iStockphoto/Leday L
© iStockphoto/Leday L

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Mont-Dol, a legendary Breton village on a granite massif

2 minutes to read

Even if Mont-Dol is situated on a small granite massif (65 meters), the view from this village is more than marvellous. This legendary Breton place simply dominates the rest of the landscape. From Mont-Dol, you can see the entire Mont Saint-Michel Bay, from the Mont-Saint Michel to Dol-de-Bretagne. Mont-Dol should be on your "must-see" list, as this is the essential Breton Paleolithic site. This remarkable village is also a place where you can visit many French historical monuments.

Mont-Dol, Brittany
Mont-Dol, Brittany
35120 Mont-Dol, France

Legends about Mont-Dol

There are so many legends about Mont-Dol. According to one of them, Mont-Dol was created thanks to Gargantua. This mythological creature was walking in the Mont Saint-Michel Bay, but something was bothering him in his boot. So, he took it off, and three rocks fell from it. Those rocks have made Mont-Saint-Michel, the Tombelaine Island, and Mont-Dol. Many other legends are often related to the Archangel Saint Michael and his outwitting with the devil. For that reason, in the ancient time, Mont-Dol was considered as one of the seven sacred hills in Brittany. But, this place is also one of the most important Breton Paleolithic sites. The French archaeologist, Simon Sirodot, undertook the scientific excavation in Brittany in the 19th century. He discovered traces of mammoths, as well as tools made to cut meat and animal skin in Mont-Dol.

A remarkable view

© iStockphoto/Leday L
© iStockphoto/Leday L

Mont-Dol is known as a place that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay. To enjoy this view, you should first reach the top of this Breton village. But, don't worry if you are not in great shape. The ascension to the top is not very complicated. It is a delightful and straightforward walk. Once at the top of Mont-Dol, you will see the Notre-Dame Tower. You can climb the stairs of this tower. The view from this point is even more impressive. Next to the Notre-Dame Tower, you will see the Chapelle de l'Espérance, a very charming chapel. The story of this small church is fascinating. It was built in the 6th century, probably on the ruins of a pagan temple. But, this chapel was demolished in 1802, and it was reused for the construction of the telegraph. After this telegraph was no longer in use, the authorities of Mont-Dol decided to raise again a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, the protectress of sailors.

The Chapelle de l'Espérance, Mont-Dol
The Chapelle de l'Espérance, Mont-Dol
35120 Mont-Dol, France

Mont-Dol's windmills

Mont-Dol, a legendary Breton village situated on a granite massif, is also known for its windmills. The Moulin de Tertre still has its wings, even if it is not in use since the mid-1950s. This windmill is listed as a French historic monument since July 1977 and can be visited. Just next to this mill, you will find the Moulin du Mont, a great traditional Breton restaurant with a very nice terrace. Here, you can rest and enjoy the most savoury galettes, pancakes made with buckwheat flour.

The Moulin du Tertre, Mont-Dol
The Moulin du Tertre, Mont-Dol
Chemin du Tertre, 35120 Mont-Dol, France
The Moulin du Mont, Mont-Dol
The Moulin du Mont, Mont-Dol
11 Chemin du Tertre, 35120 Mont-Dol, France




The author

Sladjana Perkovic

Sladjana Perkovic

Hello, my name is Sladjana, a journalist and writer living in Paris, France. I write about French well hidden places, gastronomy and cultural events.

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