Iffendic


Iffendic is a commune in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine in Brittany. It is located in the North West of France.

Geography

The towns nearby are Montfort-sur-Meu, La Nouaye, Bédée, Pleumeleuc, Saint-Gonlay, Talensac and Breteil.

By its surface, Iffendic is at the third rank of the towns in the department, after Paimpont and Martigné-Ferchaud.

The Meu river goes through the town.

Population

Inhabitants of Iffendic are called Iffendicois in French.

History

Iffendic was located on the crossroad of two Roman ways; the North/South way from Corseul to Nantes and the East/West way from Rennes to Carhaix. We can also mention other older traces from the Gallo-Roman period with the menhir of Pierre Longue near the villages of La Barre and Vau-Savelin.
Normans devastated the district during the 10th century and the church changed of place, it was not at the edge of the Meu river anymore.
The church was rebuilt in 1122 by a certain Jacob, at the place where the church is now. In 1189, the church of Iffendic was given to Noirmoutier en Touraine abbey which founded then a priory in the region. After the settlement of the Benedictines, the diocese of Saint-Malo kept sizeable rights on the parish of Iffendic.
The parish was divided into 11 sections, in particular to collect taxes: the town centre, Allansac, la Barre, Boutavent, Canlou, Couacurel, Pintillac, Tréez, Tréhieuc, Trévit, and Vaubeuzet.
During the Middle Ages, Iffendic had many buildings on its own territory, like castles and manors. The castle of Boutavent accommodated the Lords of Montfort when the castle of Montfort had been destroyed. They stayed in Boutavent during nearly two centuries before settling back to their former castle: the one in Montfort. After that, the site seemed to be abandoned but nothing proves that it hasn't been inhabited then.
The population of the town is in favour of the changes brought by the French Revolution, above all after the end of the reign of the Terror. The major revolutionary event is the one celebrating the execution of Louis XVI, accompanied by a hatred oath to the royalty and to the anarchy. It is celebrated since 1795.

Tourism

Tourism management in Montfort-sur-Meu is entrusted by Montfort Community to the Tourist Office of the district of Montfort.

Buildings

, is a place for contemporary art.

The town has two Historical Monuments:
The town has also got 378 inventory sheets, including: