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Route details
Description
Before your eyes, a thousand years of history unfold.
Your itinerary
Step 1: The Rocher Coupé quarry
Nicknamed the California quarry, the Rocher Coupée quarry was operated until 1999. Rock aggregates were extracted there mainly for public works. Refilling the water, it is now a place for walks and training for underwater activities.
Step 2: La Butte à Bigot, window with a view of the city
The Butte à Bigot overlooking the medieval quarter offers another look at the medieval quarter and the upper town.
Step 3: An exceptional panorama not to be missed
The path that follows the top of the Rocher Coupé cliff offers a breathtaking view of the castle and the upper town. From the landscaped belvedere, admire the turquoise waters of this lake of 6 ha and 60 m deep (Access: at the bottom of the main staircase, turn left). Who knows, you might be lucky enough to observe a pair of peregrine falcons that have taken up residence on the rock walls.
Step 4: Saint Sulpice Church
The construction of this church spanned nearly four centuries, from 1380 to 1760. Push open the door… and admire the two granite altarpieces, the wooden barrel vault and the rock-style choir. Will you be able to find the melusine fairy hidden on one of its stained glass windows.
Step 5: The medieval quarter and its half-timbered houses
Welcome to the heart of the medieval quarter! On the Place du Marchix, admire several half-timbered houses dating from the 17th century. This square is the first location of the market in the heart of the primitive town.
Stage 6: The Le Nançon river, medieval quarter
The Nançon river meanders through the medieval quarter and notably feeds the moat of the castle. In the Middle Ages, it saw the development of many craft activities: draperies, tanneries, dyeworks. On the left bank of the Nançon, the traditional wash house is visible and celebrates the washerwomen.
Step 7: The public garden
The public garden is an essential place in the city of Fougères. This garden established on three levels has not finished surprising you.
There, a 180° view of the medieval district and the Fougères countryside is offered to you. Stroll through its sometimes labyrinthine alleys to discover several works of art but also all the talent of the city gardeners who take care of them. Also take the opportunity to discover the Saint-Léonard church. (No yellow markings in the paths. Go down to the lower gardens to find the markings.)
Step 8: The Val Nançon garden
With its succession of landscape environments: botanical garden, priest's garden, family gardens, the Val Nançon garden, laid out in a steep-sided valley along the Nançon, deserves a stop. Slip under the dome of "L'Œuvre à la vie", a contemporary glass sculpture by Louis-Marie Catta, a symbol of peace and the meeting of world cultures.
Step 9: The fabulous Château de Fougères
Before or after your hike, visit the fabulous Château de Fougères, the largest medieval fortress in Europe. Stone giant and veritable book of open-air military architecture, this jewel of Breton heritage defended the Duchy of Brittany from the year 1000 to 1500. A dive into medieval times guaranteed!
