Description
The Chateau de Fougères is a castle in the commune of Fougères in the Ille-et-Vilaine département of France. The first protection systems of the castle were installed in the 11th century, even before the first signs of the castle as it stands today were added in the 12th century.
The location of the castle was soon to be noticed as especially profitable: The castle was built on a naturally protected site, a rock emerging from a swamp surrounded by a loop of the Nançon river acting as a natural moat. The Chateau de Fougères played a role in many fights of the early French history as it was considered to be a strategically important place.
Nevertheless, in times of piece the Chateau was a place of the artistic life. Famous artists such as Hugo or Balzac were inspired by the castle.
Architecture
The Château de Fougères is one of the most impressing French buildings from the Middle Ages as of today with an area of two hectares in size and surrounded by 13 magnificent towers. The Mélusine Tower out of the late 13th and early 14th century is especially worth mentioning. Contrary to the others this was the first substantially cylindrical built tower that also included modern construction methods such as heating systems and illuminating devices.
Interesting facts
- The day pass at Chateau de Fougères is €10 making it one of the 15 cheapest tourist Attractions in France.
How to get there
By car
Fougères is a little town in the east of the Brittany on the edge towards the Normandy. When reaching the town you cannot miss the Chateau - it rises high above the entire area.
There are free parking slots available right by the castle.