Fougères
If you're looking for a destination that harmoniously combines history, culture and natural beauty, Fougères is the place for you.
Located in Brittanywithin theIlle-et-VilaineWith its imposing medieval castle, the largest in Europe, charming half-timbered houses, impressive Gothic churches and lush gardens, Fougères will captivate you. Fougères also stands out for its dynamism and warm welcome, offering a dense and diverse cultural program, as well as numerous sports and leisure activities.
Finally, Fougères invites you to explore its surroundings, made up of lush forests, serene waterways and exceptional sites such as Mont Saint-Michel and the Emmanuel de la Villéon museum. Fougères has it all!
The architectural majesty of Fougères castles
Castle lovers, prepare to be amazed by Fougères and its castle, one of the most imposing and beautiful in Europe. Built on a naturally defended site, the Château de Fougères takes you back in time, from the year 1000 to the present day.
Château de Fougères: a journey through time
The Château de Fougères has an eventful history, marked by its strategic importance in protecting the Duchy of Brittany. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, following the course of conflicts and fires.
It has witnessed English domination, Chouans uprisings, the French Revolution and both world wars. It has witnessed the lives and deaths of key figures such as Bertrand du Guesclin, Anne de Bretagne, Victor Hugo and Emmanuel de la Villéon.
It has been the scene of legends and mysteries, such as the Lady in White and the hidden treasure. It has sheltered lords, soldiers, prisoners, peasants, artists and tourists.
It has become a symbol of the power, resilience, pride and beauty of Fougères and Brittany.
Architecture and history: the castle's secrets
The Château de Fougères is an architectural feat, revealing the secrets of its past through its structures. It is divided into three enclosures: the first for defense, with moats, drawbridges, curtain walls and towers; the second for daily life, with dwellings, kitchens, stables, chapel and well; the third, of a symbolic nature, with keep, parapet walk, arms room and guard room.
Every part of the castle has its own story, its own anecdote, its own mystery. You'll be fascinated by the vestiges of the past, the graffiti, the coats of arms, the loopholes and even the dungeons. Recent restorations have restored the château to its original appearance, with its colors, roofs, stained-glass windows and fireplaces.
Activities and guided tours: plunge into the past
The Château de Fougères offers a wide range of events and guided tours for a total immersion in the Middle Ages. Attend historical shows and discover the characters and events that shaped the castle's history.
Guided tours transport you into the castle's magical world of fantasy. Night tours offer a unique perspective, with light effects, sounds and special atmospheres.
Workshops, games, investigations, medieval festivals and birthday parties invite you to live like the castle's former inhabitants.
Natural splendor around Fougères
Fougères stands out not only for its rich historical and cultural heritage, but also for its abundance of nature and green spaces. Whether you're looking for a relaxing break, a family walk or a more demanding hike, the many natural areas surrounding the town are sure to please.
Explore the diversity and beauty of nature in Fougères, from public gardens to the surrounding forests, via a variety of walks and circuits.
Public gardens: between floral art and green space
Fougères' public gardens offer a breathtaking view of the castle, the medieval quarter and the lower town. This park, classified as a natural site, extends over three levels, harmoniously combining an English garden, a formal garden and a botanical garden.
Stroll among the flowers, trees, ponds and statues, and discover the fougerarium, an area dedicated to over 50 species of fern, the city's symbol.
The surrounding forests: an ode to walking and exploration
The Fougères state forest, located in the communes of Laignelet and Landéan, is just a few minutes from the town center and covers 1,673 hectares. It is mainly populated by beech and oak trees.
It is home to historical and archaeological treasures such as the Cordon des Druides and the Pierre Courcoulee. For leisure activities, the Chênedet leisure center offers a beach, a pond and an accrobranche course, as well as canoe and bike rentals, not to mention numerous hiking trails.
Hikes and tours: discovering flora and fauna
Walking, cycling and horse-riding enthusiasts will be delighted by the 90 hiking trails, 3 greenways, 2 cycle routes and 8 local cycling loops that criss-cross the Pays de Fougères. These routes will enable you to discover the local flora and fauna, admire the varied landscapes, pass through picturesque villages, visit remarkable sites and follow in the footsteps of history and legends.
The more adventurous can also explore major routes, such as the Chemin de Compostelle, the Mont-Saint-Michel trail, the GR® 37, the GR® 39 or the Equibreizh.
Fougères, between culture and tradition
Fougères is much more than just a town: it will captivate you with its rich historical and natural heritage, while seducing you with its vibrant culture and deeply-rooted traditions. Whether you're passionate about art, music, theater, literature or gastronomy, Fougères will satisfy your desires and arouse your curiosity. The town comes alive with cultural events, celebrates local crafts and gastronomy, and offers workshops and themed tours to immerse you in its most precious secrets and hidden treasures.
Cultural events: a tribute to Fougères' rich heritage
Throughout the year, Fougères invites you to discover its diverse, high-quality cultural program, reflecting the richness of its heritage. You'll have the opportunity to take part in shows, concerts, exhibitions, conferences and festivals that celebrate local talent as well as renowned artists. Among the must-see events, the Humeur Vagabonde festival offers a wide range of shows - theater, circus, dance, music and comedy - at various venues around town; the Printemps du Coglais takes you on a journey through the visual arts, cinema, photography, comics and digital art; the Nuit des Musées opens the doors of emblematic sites such as the Château de Fougères, the Musée Emmanuel de la Villéon and the Atelier et Musée de l'Horlogerie for exceptional events; while Place aux Arts presents an open-air exhibition of contemporary sculptures in the Place du Théâtre.
Local crafts and gastronomy: the flavours of the region
Fougères also invites you to savor its local crafts and gastronomy, reflecting the know-how and innovation of its residents. You'll have the opportunity to admire and acquire unique, high-quality works of art created by craftsmen such as precious wood jewelry, Odorico mosaics, edifice clocks, pottery and earthenware.
Gourmets will delight in local products such as Fougères cheese, cider, honey, jams, cookies, galettes and crêpes, which will delight the most discerning palates. You can also discover local restaurants, crêperies, tearooms and bars, offering traditional or revisited dishes made with fresh local produce.
Workshops and themed tours: an immersion in tradition
For total immersion in Fougères traditions, don't miss out on workshops and themed tours. These unique experiences will enable you, for example, to make your own wooden jewel or cutting board at the Artisans Voyageurs workshop-gallery, to learn about furniture restoration or cyanotype creation at the clock-making workshop and museum, to discover the secrets of Fougères cheese-making at the Guénaudière farm, or to visit Fougères castle in an original way thanks to storytelling, nocturnal, costumed or candlelit tours.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that Fougères has everything to charm you. Whether you're interested in medieval times, fascinated by nature or drawn to cultural activities, Fougères offers a wealth of opportunities for enrichment and entertainment. The town invites you to explore its rich heritage, sample its local specialities, immerse yourself in its festive events and soak up its centuries-old traditions.
Fougères awaits you with enthusiasm and promises a warm welcome. Don't delay, plan your trip to Fougères, the perfect place for your next getaway!
FAQ
Why does the town of Fougères bear this name?
The town of Fougères owes its name to the local vegetation, in particular the fern that grew in abundance in the surrounding forest. The origin of the name "Fougères" comes from the popular Latin term "filicaria", which designates a place where ferns are present in large numbers. What's more, the first lord of Fougères chose this plant as the symbol on his coat of arms, marking the importance of the fern to the town.
How to explore Fougères
There are several ways to discover Fougères: - Visit the Château de Fougères, a remarkable medieval fortress considered to be the largest in Europe, as well as its historic quarter, characterized by half-timbered houses and ancient washhouses. - Take advantage of the town's many green spaces, such as the public garden, the botanical park of Haute Bretagne and the surrounding forested areas, inviting you to relax and discover nature.
What is the name of the residents of Fougères?
Fougères residents are known as Fougerais for men and Fougeraises for women. This denomination is widely recognized and validated by various online sources.
What is Fougères' zip code?
The zip code assigned to Fougères is 35300, which combines the Ille-et-Vilaine department code (35) with the specific code of the local post office (300).
