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Fougères Castle: a castle to visit in Brittany!
At the gateway to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, on the banks of the Nançon, stands the largest preserved medieval fortress in Europe since the year 1000: the Château de Fougères! Immerse yourself in the history of the Marches of Brittany and let yourself be captivated by the sublime panoramas of the Valley!
History of the Château de Fougères
In the middle Ages, Fougères represents a strategic location for the defense of the Duchy of Brittany facing Normandy, Anjou and Maine. First Motte Castrale, the Fougeres Castle will stand out from other feudal buildings by its position. Indeed, it is located at the bottom of the Nançon Valley while rising on a rocky outcrop, thus benefiting from the natural protection of the river, surrounding hills and plateaus. At the crossroads of the main trade routes of Marches of Brittany, the medieval fortress will evolve over the centuries according to the various lords who will control it and will stand out for its facilities that are always at the forefront of modernity.
After the marriage between the Duchess Anne of Brittany and King of France, the border of the Marches of Brittany lost its strategic interest. This left the fortress in the hands of different military governors and even became a prison the 18e century. Despite this instability, the Château de Fougères today presents a silhouette and a state of preservation almost identical to the XNUMXth century.e century, offering visitors the testimony of the great medieval epics of the Portes de Bretagne.
Visit the Château de Fougères
To visit the Château de Fougères is to dive into the heart of the history of Marches of Brittany. In fact, its construction began at the end of the 10th century. It continued for centuries, which made the Château de Fougères a reference in theHistory of FranceWe invite you to Place Raoul II to begin your visit to this fortress, which will enchant you. You will recognize in its architecture typical of medieval fortresses the whole range of the military defense. In particular, battlements, machicolations, trebuchet, loopholes, merlons, curtain walls, eleven towers, ditches, guard room, patrol path... and the latrines of course!
Accompanied by an audioguide or a conferral guide, your journey begins as soon as you pass the Saint-Hilaire Tower and'Advanced ! Here you are in the farmyard, the scene of daily life in the Middle Ages. The schist and granite towers stand out around the enclosure wall and call you to her to discover the breathtaking view they offer on the Pays de Fougères and the city.
The bravest will dare to brave the Dungeon steps, the Mélusine tower, of the castle of Fougères. The scenography will reward their climb with an immersion in the history of the Marches of Brittany. Children will be enchanted by this medieval atmosphere, where knights and Breton legends mingle. Finally, to continue your visit to the medieval city of Fougères, take the street on your right as you leave the fortress. You will then go down towards the Notre Dame Gate to start your discovery tour of the city of Fougères.
Entertainment at the Château de Fougères
Medieval entertainment during the summer
Fougères Castle immerses you in the heart of the Middle Ages with its medieval events during the summer. These events are also included in the admission price and allow you to relive the medieval era! You can witness authentic battles, try your hand at crossbow shooting, and admire historical reenactments faithful to the traditions of the time.
Children's activities during school holidays
During school holidays, the The castle offers a program dedicated to childrenCreative workshops and themed activities are organized to awaken the curiosity of young people. They discover the heritage and history of Fougères in a fun way. These fun and educational activities also offer families an ideal opportunity to discover the castle in a different way.
Castle Thursdays in July/August
Every summer, the Thursdays at the Château punctuate the summer season in Fougères. These free evening shows, from July to August, start at 21 p.m. Musicians, dancers, equestrian artists, and circus performers take over the fortress to offer varied and festive performances in an exceptional setting. These friendly events are open to all ages.
Restaurants with a view of the Castle
Feeling peckish after your visit? The castle inn, the creperies in Fougères and restaurants from the city center welcome you in a friendly atmosphere, ideal for savoring Breton gastronomy or more contemporary cuisine.
Top 3 photo spots of Château de Fougères
- Facing the entrance to the castle, head slightly to the right and the panoramic view of the fortress and the river will then be offered to you.
- Between the Raoul and Surienne towers: Immortalize the view of the heights of the city, the belvedere of the public garden and Saint-Sulpice church. (Only accessible by guided tour)
- On the walkway between the Surienne tower and the Mélusine tower: Take to the heights and you will discover a breathtaking view of the fortress and the lower town.
Practical information for your visit to the fortress
| Pricing | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Basic price – Adult Full price |
10 € | Not disclosed |
| Reduced price |
5 € | Not disclosed |
| Family rate |
25 € | Not disclosed |
| Child rate |
0 € | Not disclosed |
A ticket office coupled with The Passageway, the CIAP of Fougères, offers a comprehensive heritage tour. On site, enjoy a shop, audio guides, and a reception area adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Frequently asked questions about the castle
How many towers does Fougères Castle have?
The Château de Fougères has 13 towers :
- Goblin Tower
- Melusine tower
- Surienne Tower
- Raoul Tower
- Dial Tower
- Plesguen Tower
- Trémoille Tower
- Hallay Tower
- La Haye-Saint-Hilaire Tower
- Guémadeux Tower
- Coigny Tower
- Tower of Guibe
- Coëtlogon Tower (ruins)
What are the most beautiful views of the Castle?
To see the largest medieval fortress in Europe, head to the Public garden, Quarry of the Rocher Coupé, or at the top of the Saint-Léonard bell tower (in summer)!
Is there a museum about the history of the Castle?
To learn more about the history of Fougères Castle, and more generally, about the town of Fougères, you can go to The Passageway, the Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage.
Sleeping near the Château de Fougères
Here is our selection of accommodation closest to the Château de Fougères and its Medieval Quarter.
And if we continued the visit…
What to see in Fougères?
Here is our selection of activities around Fougères Castle, to continue the medieval adventure!
