Guardian of the gates of Brittany, the fortress of Fougères stands out from the other feudal constructions of the region by its incredible geographical situation which makes it one of the main pieces of the defence system of the Duchy. Today, as in the past, Fougères is the largest medieval fortress in Europe; it offers its visitors the experience of a true immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages.
Built at the turn of the year 1000, the fortress of Fougères, installed at the crossroads of many important trade routes, is intended to watch over some dangerous neighbours... To the North, the Bretons are threatened by the English who own Normandy, to the East they fear the French and their Angevin possessions... For nearly five centuries, Fougères was at the heart of these struggles between the powerful. Over time and lords, it was perfected to the point of becoming a perfectly impregnable monument, ready for sieges and battles.
Everything was turned upside down in 1532; the marriage of Claude of Brittany and François Ist made the fortress lose its raison d'être. Now attached to the Kingdom of France, the fortress will have different uses over time: governor's house, prison, pleasure garden, museum and even shoe factory! Finally, in 1892, the castle was bought by the municipality.
A true witness to the entire history of Brittany, the fortress of Fougères today presents a medieval décor of incredible accuracy. The great quality of its architecture and the good preservation of the whole make it an ideal place for all those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this very special era. All year round, various activities are organised.
Storytelling, night-time visits, medieval festivals and children's workshops enliven this important place in the history of France, enough to delight the whole family !
Please note: you can already start to discover one of the great actors of tourism in Brittany through a podcast. Immersion guaranteed in the steps of the enthusiastic owner of this incredible fortress.
A little extra: the town is also worth a visit. Labelled as a "Town of Art and History", it has other remarkable monuments such as the churches of Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Léonard, the Town Hall and a charming 19th century theatre.
Bérengère for Comme des Français
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