Ar Milin' derives its name from the Breton word for mill, as the main building once served as the town's water mill. It was aquired in 1953 by farm machinery magnate Fabien Burel and his wife Albertine. They set about transforming the mill and its surrounding area into a parkland filled with waterways and meadows. Landscape artist and gardener François Riscle was tasked with the job, and he set about the creation of a scenic green space with a lake surrounded by groves of tall trees.

Albertine opened the estate to the public in 1966 as a hotel, three years after Fabien's passing. Today, their children Michel and Jacques Burel continue to manage the estate. Jacques' wife Gisele has also led the addition of the on-site restaurant, Le Bistrot du Moulin, to the hotel's repertoire of services.

Design and Architecture

While Ar Milin's main building has preserved and improved the original mill, the many additions that the Burels made to the estate created a unique hotel that embodies the idyllic beauty of the French countryside.

During the restoration and expansion, granite stones were mined and transported all the way from the village of Sougéal. Landscaper François Riscle redesigned the surrounding area, adding a lake, waterways, and hundreds of trees to the property.

Transformations and further beautifications of the parkland continue to this day. Owner Michel Burel worked together with landscaper Erwan Tymen and plant biology professor Cécile Lemoine in cataloging the existing flora and planting new ones. Today, the estate is an arboretum of over 100 plant species from all around the world and provides habitats to many local wildlife.

Proud to call itself a bistronomic destination, Le Bistrot du Moulin is a restaurant that eagerly transforms along with the seasons. The bistrot relishes a refreshing outdoor setting during summer, surrounded by the boughs of the park's trees. Come winter, guests can enjoy comfy and warm indoor dining next to a fire.

Opening hours : Monday - Sunday Afternoon: 12 pm - 2 pm (Lunch), 7 pm - 9 pm (Dinner)

Reservations: Restaurant reservations can be made through the hotel's official website.

For those among you who wish to tie the knot while visiting France, Ar Milin' can arrange venues for your personalized celebrations. These venues can be set up as refreshing open-air settings or cozy indoor affairs. Their wedding package also includes food as well as accommodations.

Cultural Experiences

Because Ar Milin' lies nestled in the bustling commune of Châteaubourg, it's highly recommended that guests use the hotel as a basepoint for exploring the Brittany countryside. This city of Rennes features plenty of cultural attractions to visit, such as the Musuem of Fine Arts of Rennes, and the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. The neighboring communes are also worth visiting, such as Vitre and its gorgeous castle.

Other Celebrations

If part of your holiday plans is to celebrate a special occasion, Ar Milin' has a selection of nice venues available for booking. Whether it's a private party with a handful of guests, or an anniversary, the staff of Ar Milin' will make it happen.