Description:

The first settlement in the area was from 1124 when Alain de Dinan built a castle.  It was around this castle that the town of

Becherel developed.  The town was in a much sought after strategic position and in the end of 12th century was captured by England.

Becherel is now a beautiful little town which is only one of three 'Cite du Livre', book cities, in Europe.  The town has 17 bookstore and only just over 700 residents!

Becherel is in the department of Ille et Vilaine and covers an area of 0.57 km².  The town is one of the highest points of the Ille et Vilaine department at 176 meters and overlooks the Rance valley.

The town is one of the 31 cantons of Rennes and is located 36 km north west of Rennes.

There is a general market in Becherel every Saturday morning in the town centre as well as a book market on the first Sunday of each month. 

Becherel also has a bakery, a butchers, a hardware store and of course the numerous book stores which make the town famous.  For all other groceries there is a supermarket in the town.

For clothes shopping and larger chains visit Dinan which is only 20 km away.

Becherel  has two 'Ecoles Primaires et Maternelles'.

Becherel has one post office, two hair salons, a bank, a pharmacy, a dentist practice, a doctors practice and a vets.  The nearest hospital is Dinan Hospital which is 18 km away.  The town also has centrally located Gendarmerie and Pompier.

For entertainment Becherel  has two restaurants, a creperie and a cafe bar.

Becherel has one Chambre d’Hotes located centrally within the town.  There are also several hotels, campsites and gite complexes in the region which are ideal for exploring Becherel.

Becherel was given the status of  'Cite du Livre' in 1989 and now the town is home to 17 bookstores, two art galleries, a calligraphy workshop, a bindery, a photography studio and numerous other craft workshops and artists.  Visitors to the town can spend the day browsing through the bookstores or can take part in one of the hundreds of craft workshops and activities which are run throughout the year.

The town also hosts several literary based events throughout the year including the 'Fete du Livre' at Easter, Night of Books during August, the 'Lire en Fete' in October and the Treasures of Becherel in December.

Worth a visit:

• Visit the Chateau de Caradeuc which was built in 1723.  This impressive castle has the well deserved nickname 'le Versailles Breton'

• Relax in the Parc du Chateau containing both an English and French garden and only one of four remaining statues of King Louis XVI

There is not a leisure centre directing in Becherel but there are several in the surrounding area.

Popular associations in Bécherel include Tai Chi, archery, cycling, gymnastics, football and dance.