Malestroit Pearl of the River Oust

Malestroit

Its history and commercial dynamism make the little town of Malestroit seem bigger than it looks! Labelled a ‘Small town of character’ (‘Petit Cité de Caractère’) Malestroit has fascinating historic streets that lead from the banks of the River Oust to the walled town, lined with stone facades and half-timbered houses. As you explore this ancient town you’ll come across some interesting sculptures, relics of a tumultuous history and prosperous trading past.

Getting there

Pearl of the River Oust

A town built by water: from a bend in the river Oust to the Nantes-Brest Canal

Set in a loop of the River Oust, Malestroit was founded in the 11th century, overlooked by a feudal motte and later a fortress, built on an island between the two arms of the river, controlling the passage along the waterway. In the 16th century, the construction of two chamber locks, among the first in France, linked Malestroit to Redon; trade flourished and this led to the town’s expansion. Four suburbs grew up around the historic centre and its ruined ramparts. Narrow streets open out towards the Nantes-Brest Canal, the lock and the tow path.

Comical carved decorations

In the 15th century, the town became one of Brittany’s nine baronies and was closed off with fortifications, some of which remain. In the Place du Bouffay, as you sit comfortably on a café terrace, you only have to look up to see relics of a history marked by the Crusades and a flourishing trade. Alongside majestic, carved granite mansions, amazing half-timbered houses are decorated with odd figures from Medieval folklore: ‘The Spinning Sow’, the Hare playing the bagpipes, the pelican. On the other side of the square, the remarkable Church of Saint-Gilles (11th-16th century) is well worth a visit. Some exceptional paintings were recently discovered in its vaults.

Did you know ?

“Quae numerat nummos non malestrica domus”: “A household that counts its coins is not a household of Malestroit”. The town’s motto shows its commitment to offering a high-quality welcome.
The Raving Rabbids, characters from cartoons and video games, have come to live in a historic 15th century building in the heart of the town.

Main points of interest

The Place du Bouffay (15th and 16th century houses)
The Île Notre-Dame
The Church of Saint-Gilles (12th to 16th century)
The Chapel of La Madeleine
The Augustine Monastery
The Rue du General de Gaulle, Rue Sainte-Anne and Rue des Ponts (15th and 16th century houses with purple, green, and blue shale, puddingstone, sandstone and monumental granite)
The weir, the mill and the lock
The half-timbered houses
‘La Maison de l’Eau et de la Pêche’ visitor centre