The best traffic-free bike rides around Javené

The Jardin du Val Nançon stretches picturesquely along the Nançon River, framing the northern city walls of Fougères with lush greenery. Covering approximately two hectares, various themed areas invite exploration. This includes a botanical garden, the "Priest's Garden," a reference to the remains of an ancient abbey, a so-called "plant cage," and a colorfully landscaped slope. Of particular note is the contemporary glass art sculpture "L'œuvre à la vie" by Louis-Marie Catta from 2000, which represents peace and dialogue between cultures.

The bell tower, also called the belfry, was built by the townspeople in 1397 and is considered the oldest surviving building of its kind in Brittany. Architecturally, it is based on Flemish models that the cloth merchants of Fougères had encountered on their travels. The tower's largest bell is named "Roland Chapelle." In the past, the belfry served not only as a bell tower, but also as a fire watchtower and town hall. Today, the tower offers visitors impressive views of the medieval old town and its surroundings.

The Place du Marchix is located in the city's oldest district. The square takes its name from the Old French word "marchié," as Fougères's first market once took place here. The district is characterized by well-preserved half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century, many of which are listed as historical monuments. The square was once a center for artisanal businesses such as tanneries and cloth manufacturers, which used the nearby river to process leather and fabrics.

The Église Saint-Léonard was built in the 12th century and acquired its present form in the flamboyant Gothic style in the 15th and 16th centuries. During the French Revolution, the church was deprived of its sacred function, but in the 19th century, under architects such as Aristide Tourneux, it underwent extensive renovations, including a new main façade with a large rose window. Inside, 19th-century stained-glass windows depicting episodes from the life of Saint Léonard can be seen.

Dominated by one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, Fougères boasts magnificent ramparts, towers, and a perfectly preserved historic center. From the heights, the view takes in the Nançon Valley and its half-timbered houses, offering beautiful perspectives. It's an ideal stop along the Régalante to immerse yourself in Breton history before hitting the road again.

The Fougères Belfry is a clock tower built in the enclosed town of Fougères from the late 14th century onward. It is the oldest surviving bell tower in Brittany. Although it lacks a clock face, this building contains bells that have shaped the life of the town of Fougères for more than six hundred years.

The largest fortress in Europe, the castle of Fougères stands on a rocky outcrop surrounded by marshland. The first castle of Fougères was built around the turn of the millennium to defend the north-eastern part of the border area of the Duchy of Brittany. Built at the crossroads of important trade routes, this primitive fortress had the main objective of monitoring the powerful neighbors and preventing their raids on Breton lands. To the north, Normandy belonged to the kings of England at the time.

The church tower can be visited in high season, where you can discover an incredible panorama of Fougères as well as its monuments and the surrounding countryside. Here you will have the opportunity to discover the secret interior of its tower, its impressively large bell and of course... a spectacular 360° view of the city, the castle and the valley!