Fougères, an industrial, commercial and agricultural town with a population of about 26,000, is situated in the subprefecture of Ille-et-Vilaine in Brittany. The town, which overlooks the green and richly-wooded countryside around the river Nançon valley, is a popular tourist area which has in the past inspired many great writers such as Balzac and Victor Hugo.

Fougères is steeped in history. In mediaeval times it was a military post of great significance, and the 12th century moated castle, around which the town has developed over generations, still stands as a focal point and reminder of bygone days. With its 13 towers, the impressive fortress is one of the best conserved mediaeval castles in Europe.

Many thousands of tourists visit Fougères each year. Apart from the castle, visitors can explore the district of Saint Sulpice, which remains as it must have been in the 15th century, with its timber-framed houses, winding walkways and cobbled streets, and visit the 19th century theatre and the nearby museum and art gallery. The modern town centre, however, shows how Fougères has managed to mix the old with the new, with wide, pedestrianised shopping streets, pavement cafés, fountains and sculptures.

Fougères flourished as a commercial centre in the Middle Ages and was renowned for many trades including weaving, tanning and wooden shoe making. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the town was famous for the manufacture of socks and stockings, but these activities later yielded to the leather industry.

Since 1900 Fougères has been the capital of the footwear trade, and today the old businesses rub shoulders with precision engineering factories, agro-chemical laboratories and modern electronic industries. In addition the town boasts the largest livestock market in the whole of France.

The town, which is close to Rennes, the Emerald Coast - including the port of St. Malo and the famous Mont St. Michel - and the Channel beaches, is full of fascinating architecture, public gardens and interesting places to visit. It is little wonder that Victor Hugo described Fougères as a "place where artists ought to flock like pilgrims" and that Balzac described it as the "flower of Brittany".

Further information about Fougères is available from:

The Office de Tourisme

Syndicat d'Initiative

1 Place A-Briand, 35300

Fougères

France

Visit the Fougères website