The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Germain-En-Coglès

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 Jardin Public is centrally located in the city and extends over several terraces offering sweeping views of the old town and the Château de Fougères. Created in 1865, the park combines features of an English landscape garden, French garden architecture, and botanical design.

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.

The cadastral records of the Château Fort de Fougères mention two towers—the Tour Raoul and the Tour Surienne (also called "tour de Surienne")—dated between 1480 and 1485. The tower was part of the fortifications that were reinforced or rebuilt in the 15th century.

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 Tour Surienne was named after Françoise de Surienne. In March 1449, in the midst of a truce between France and England, François de Surienne, a Spanish mercenary in the pay of the English, attacked in the dead of night with his 600 men. The inhabitants were slaughtered and the city plundered. In 1450, Surienne settled there and entrenched himself. Only after a two-month siege by Francis I, Duke of Brittany, who was aided by a plague epidemic, did Surienne surrender.