Description:

The first settlement at Fougeres was a simple wooden fort built on a rocky ridge in the 10th century.  This fort grew to become part of the fortified border between Brittany and France and an important medieval military point and the castle is now thought to be the largest fortress in Europe.

A town of contrasts, Fougeres is now a magnificent example of history and architecture alongside a modern town centre.

Fougeres is a Sub Prefecture (sous prefet) of Rennes.

Fougeres is listed as a 'Ville et Pays D'art et D'histoire' - essentially reserved for towns that demonstrate they are trying to make the most of their setting, attractiveness and architecture.

Fougeres is in department of Ille et Vilaine department in the east of Brittany and on the border of Normandy.

The town stands on a hilltop overlooking the Foret de Paimpont and the Nançon river and covers an area of 10.47 km².  The lower part of the city is called Saint Sulpice and the upper town is Saint Leonard.

There are three markets in Fougeres with the largest on a Saturday morning at Rue Nationale.  Smaller  markets can be found on Wednesday mornings at the Boulevard de la Chesnardiere and Thursday mornings at the Quartier des Cotterets.  For all other groceries there are four local supermarches.

Fougeres also has a modern pedestrianised shopping centre in  the centre of the town which caters for all tastes and styles.

Key Facilities & Services

Fougeres has numerous schools, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, butchers, bakeries and beauty salons.  There is also one centralised Post Office.

For entertainment Fougeres has lots of restaurants, bars and bistros as well as a new cinema, bowling alley and swimming pool complex.

The town does not have a train station but does have good bus links.  The nearest train station is 25 km away at Vitre whilst subsidised buses run from Fougeres to Rennes for just 3€.  From Rennes trains can be taken to all over France.

Fougeres main attraction is its spectacular Castle the 'Chateau de Fougeres'.  Covering just over 5 acres, the castle is seen as the biggest fortress in Europe with over 13 towers.  

Fougeres also has one of only three belfries in Brittany.  The 15th century belfry, built by local merchants,  was important to the ordinary residents as it allowed them for the first time to access timekeeping.

For more active pursuits the 'Foret de Fougeres', just to the north of the town, has fantastic walks and cycling routes alongside a lake with a swimming beach and a play area.  The forest is the legendary home of Merlin from the fabled tales of Arthur.

In July Fougeres hosts the 'Festival Des Voix des Pays' which marks the start of the summer holidays.  The festival has three days of open air concerts which take place within the castle and attract well known music stars.  The 'Les Scenes demenagent' is a week long festival held at the end of August by several local drama groups and is a huge social event for the local residents.

Fougeres main festival 'Angevines Festival' is a traditional festival which has been held every year in September since the Middle Ages.  The festival last for 3 days and includes a fun fair, a children's jumble sale, a night carnival, a day of sales in the shops and a bicycle race through the cobbled streets of the town centre.

Worth a visit:

• Explore the medieval quarter with its windy cobbled streets and wooden houses.  This can be done by foot or by the towns electric train
• Visit the small town museum on the Rue Nationale
• Stroll through the beautiful public gardens on the hill behind the old St Leonard’s Church
• Take part in the clock making workshop in the 16th century clock museum
• Admire the art at the Musee Emmanuel de la Villeon

There are numerous active sporting associations throughout Fougeres including football, basketball, handball and tennis.

The local 'Foret de Fougeres' also offers a range of activities such as walking, watersports, horeseriding and mountain biking.