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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Calvary of the City Gontier, also known as Villegontier, is a monumental granite cross erected in the 16th century. Originally located near the Château de la Ville Gontier in Parigné, it was moved around 1940 near the monastery of Saint-François, in the forest of Fougères on the commune of Landéan (Ille-et-Vilaine). Ranked as historical monuments since 25 June 1929, this calvary bears inscriptions dated 1581 and badges engraved with monograms. His arms are decorated with the names "Jeus" and "Mary", while his canned base has heads of death, symbols of earthly vanity.

The structure, typical of Breton calvaries, has a rise to two thirds of its height, ending with progressive thinning. Originally located on the edge of the road, this monument reflects the funeral and religious art of the Renaissance in Brittany, mixing Christian piety and reminders of human mortality. His displacement in the 20th century was probably aimed at preserving it, while integrating into the local heritage linked to the former Saint Francis Abbey.

Historical sources, including the Merimée and Monumentum bases, confirm its classification for its architectural and symbolic value. Today located at 1 Moulin de Saint-François in Landéan, Calvary remains a rare testimony of the monumental crosses of Ille-et-Vilaine, combining granite crafts and late medieval iconography.

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