Why I love Dol de Bretagne

Let us take a look at the historic city of Dol in the region of Brittany (dept. 35, Ille et Vilaine).

The proud and historic city of Dol-de-Bretagne, with its fascinating cathedral, was built above the marshes extending to the Bay of Mont St-Michel. Out of this dramatically flat landscape emerges an extraordinary sight, Mont Dol, where Saint Michael supposedly fought off Satan. A relatively easy climb for the novice and well worth the views at the top on a clear day.

In 549, the Welsh Saint Teilo was documented as coming to Dol where he joined Samson of Dol and to this day the fruit groves which they planted remain and are known as the groves of Teilo and Samson. Legend has it that while there he was assigned by King Budic II to subdue a winged dragon, which he was said to have tamed and then tied to a rock in the sea off Brittany. He is reported to have stayed in Dol for seven years and seven months so must have left in 556 or 557.

Dol boasts some old medieval houses along its high street,which is stunning, but the outstanding building in the town is the 13th-century cathedral. The roots of the cathedral go back to the same dynamic 6th-century Welshman named Samson (Samson of Dol) legend has it, he rid the local lord’s wife of leprosy and his daughter of demons, for which kind services he was rewarded with land. When King John of England’s troops burned down the Romanesque cathedral, a mighty new Gothic one was built – one particularly ugly gargoyle on it is said to resemble the evil monarch. there is a very interesting museum to visit if you are interested in cathedrals and medieval times called "Médiavylis".

Mont Dol is an outcrop of rock resembling another island like that of Mont St-Michel, but this one stands alone on the flat coastal plain in front of Dol. Stunning views across northeast Brittany are enjoyed from the summit 65 metres above sea level and without too much risk or equipment you can reach the small plateau by practising your rock climbing. Once on the plateau here is a less strenuously climb in the shape of the Tour Notre-Dame, highlighted by a large statue of the Virgin Mary, for the most stunning views of the patchwork of fields below and the Bay of Mont St-Michel beyond. One of the two windmills on Mont Dol is usually open for visits.

So what about property prices and availability in and around Dol de Bretagne?

As a lot of property is situated either close to the town, the sea or the bay of Mont st Michel you can expect to pay a higher price than that inland. However the area around Dol de Bretagne is steeped in history and you would find it hard not to fall in love with the landscape and relaxed way of life here.

We always have some excellent bargains available in and around Dol de Bretagne, from town and village properties to magnificent countryside farmhouses and sea front villas, as well as some exciting renovation projects on the market for a very low price.

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le-champ-dolent, Dol de Bretagne.