With a rich heritage spanning more than a thousand years of history, Fougères has had Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Town of Art and History) status since 1985. This certification, granted by the French Ministry of Culture, guarantees the quality of visitor reception and tours conducted by a team of tour guides.
Roam on your own or with a guide to discover the town’s hidden treasures! In the medieval quarter, half-timbered houses stand alongside the remains of fulling and bark mills, signs of intensive artisan activity on the banks of the River Nançon.
The upper town, surrounded by medieval walls, features 18th century town houses, the oldest belfry in Brittany, an imposing theatre and many other surprises.
In the town centre, the last-remaining building with a front gallery now houses Emmanuel de la Villéon Museum, which displays works by the impressionist painter born in Fougères.
The industrial part of the town stretches around Bonabry church. At the height of the Industrial Revolution, this district was entirely built to accommodate the shoemaking industry: factories and warehouses stood side-by-side with the opulent homes of the owners and the workers’ more modest dwellings. Some factories still bear lavish decorations like those created by Odorico. They are a testament to the former glory of the “capital of shoemaking”.
History unfolds before you as you roam through these picturesque streets or pass a bend in the river.
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