Fougères

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Shortened history of the castle:

This castle illustrate perfectly the french military architecture (three enclosures alltogether) of the Middle Ages. This castle may remind you of Carcassonne in the south of France.

The first enclosure serves to protect the castle and keep attacking enemies at a minimum. The second enclosure was an area where everyday life was carried out in times of peace; it also was an area the people fled to in war. The third enclosure protects the keep. The castle has a moat, curtain walls and the tide ditch of the forecastle could be flooded for defense.

In the 10th century, Fougères was a simple donjon protected by high palisades on a rocky outcrop in a basin of the River Nançon.

In the summer of 1166 the Plantagenêt Empire was expanding and Henry II, King of England, was off to conquer Brittany. Fougères was valiantly and aggressively defended by Raoul II but, despite the castle's efforts, Henry II destroys the castle and the keep is razed. Raoul II, knowing the military significance of Fougères, defiantly rebuilds the castle a few years later.

The castle will continue to be fought over as it withstands sieges and attacks.

The castle as it ages will know times of peace. Writers and painters will come to it and be inspired by the atmosphere of ages. Notable names such as Hugo, Balzac and Chateaubriand have graced Fougères. Peace leaves again in the 20th century as it sees more fighting, Fougères takes a severe bombardment on June 9, 1944 as the Allies fight to free it from four years of German occupation.

Opening times and additionnal information:

The castle is open all days :
- In season (June, July, August, September) from 9am to 7pm
- Off-season from 9.30am to noon and from 2pm to 6pm
The castle is closed all January

Fees:
Full Rate - 7.50 €
Reduced rate - 4.50 €
Beneficiaries discounts:Job Seeker, Person with disability, Accompanying person with disabilities, Student, 18-25 YEARS OLD, Children between 6 and 18.
Children under 6 years - free
Family Pass - 19.50 €

Email : chateau@fougeres.fr