Visit the Château de Fougères : tickets, prices, times

On a holiday in Brittany? Come and visit Fougères Castle. Let yourself be charmed by the legends of the Breton lands.

Dating more than 1000 years, Fougères Castle has many secrets. This imposing fortress occupies no less than two hectares, making it the largest in Europe. From the year 1000 to 1500, the castle-fort vigorously defended the Duchy of Brittany. This defensive function is found in omnipresent military architecture. Still today, the ramparts and towers remained intact. You can visit the Château de Fougères and dive in the Middle Ages. To learn more, follow our guide.

History of the Château de Fougères

The Château de Fougères is built around the year thousand. Its objective was to protect the northeast of the border Duchy of Brittany , also known as the Marches of Brittany.

The location of the fortress is strategic. Indeed, it is located at the intersection of commercial roads. From there, soldiers could observe their neighbours and thus prevent any entry into the Breton lands. At that time, the enemies of Brittany are numerous. In the north, Normandy belonging to the King of England intends to extend its lands. In the east, it is the King of France who holds the Anjou and the Maine. He wishes to affirm his domination over the territory and to end the independence of Brittany.

The city of Fougères is a masterpiece for the defense of the Duchy. From 1000 to 1500, clashes between the powers rage. Meanwhile, the castle-fort continues to fortify itself through destruction and reconstruction. Several works have been carried out to transform the Château de Fougères into a warship: it is the guard of the Breton gates. After a thousand years, the Château de Fougères has preserved its superb and constitutes the largest fortress of the medieval period throughout Europe.

Our tips to visit the Château de Fougères

• The weather conditions in Brittany are not always optimal. The visit of the castle is mainly made outside. Take care to check the weather upstream. If the conditions are bad, the courtines and stairs can be closed or reduced.
• If you are sensitive to light, think about taking your sunglasses. The exterior is very bright while the towers are rather dark. The contrast between the two is sometimes disturbing.
• The castle of Fougères is accessible to persons with reduced mobility. Numerous amenities are put in place as a hob, suitable sanitary. However, as the entire scenographic route is not accessible, a comprehensive presentation of the castle and its animations is planned.
• Similarly, the deaf and hearing impaired can go to the reception desk. They will benefit from an audio guide in French sign language (LSF).
• For the blind, guide dogs and assistance are allowed to the castle. A touchscreen model of Raoul II tower is also available to help visually impaired people to immerse themselves in the military architecture of Fougères Castle.
• To facilitate your visit, several supports are available: free application (Download “Fabulous Fougères Castle” to discover more in detail the fortress) and a bookt (this allows you to easily reach this huge castle).

What to do during your visit to the Château de Fougères?

The towers of the castle

The towers of the castle are certainly the most impressive during your visit. It was thanks to them that Brittany was able to face the forces of the kings of France and England. The square towers have a predominantly defensive role and allowed the soldiers to have a global vision of the surroundings without fear of dead angles. Horse iron towers are more offensive. Thanks to them, archers and arbaltriers could attack any intruders.

To completely dive into the Middle Ages, scenography has been put in place. You will discover the history of the fortress and all the battles that took place there.

The rich hours of Fougères

Every summer, the festival of the rich hours of Fougères takes place in the city. It is a medieval market where the life of the time is reconstituted in every detail. You will discover craftsmen, such as falconnier, founder of campanaire art, cirier, etc. At the foot of the castle, it is medieval cuisine that will awaken your taste buds.

And to guarantee a good atmosphere, many animations are planned with the artists of old. Jugglers, dancers and broomsticks will delight visitors to this unique show.

Children ' s court

The castle of ferns has set up a child path so that the smaller discover the history of Brittany in a playful way. Two mascots, Mélusin and Mélusa, guide your bambins through puzzles and books. They have to solve some guesses to reach new stages and continue the adventure.

Children's animations are also planned with a painting workshop and another dedicated to the Middle Ages letters.

How much does a ticket cost to the Château de Fougères?

• The ticket to visit Fougères Castle is 9€.
• A reduced fare 5€ is also provided for job seekers, RSA beneficiaries, persons with disabilities or assistants, students or minors.
• The entrance to Fougères Castle is free children under 6 years.
• One. audio guide is also available to visitors free.

How to book an online ticket for the Château de Fougères?

The purchase of the ticket for the Château de Fougères is made on-site or by telephone on 02 99 99 79 59. It is therefore not possible to book online.

Are there guided tours of the Château de Fougères?

It is possible to visit the castle of Fougères with a guide, without extra cost . It is best to contact the reception upstream to know the hours of guided tours. On average, it lasts approximately 45min (against 1h30 for the free visit).

If you don't want to wait for guided tours schedules, you can get a free audio guide. These are available in five languages (French, English, Spanish, Italian and German) and accessible to children in 6 years.

Are there visits combined with other monuments of Fougères?

There are no visits combined with other monuments of Fougères.

Opening hours

The castle of Fougères is open all year round except for the week of December 25 to January 1 and January 6 to January 25. The rest of the year, the castle opens its doors as follows:

• June to September: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
• May : de 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Monday
• October to April: 10h – 12h and 14h – 17h30 every day except Monday

How to get to Fougères Castle?

• Located in Ille and Vilaine in Brittany, Fougères Castle is essentially accessible in car. From Rennes, you will only put 40min by the A84.
• Fougères station welcomes trains from Vitré lines in Pontorson and Saint Hilaire.

Where to park near Fougères Castle?

Parking free is located near the reception of the castle.

Where to stay near Fougères Castle?

If you want to visit Fougères Castle, you can obviously stay to sleep Ferries . This commune of 20,000 inhabitants won the label of Ville d’Art et d’Histoire in 1985. It is a medieval city with a rich cultural heritage. In addition to its huge castle, discover its wood-paned houses, its truncated mills, its special hotels dating from the 18th century or the Musée Emmanuel de la Villéon.

If you want a little more animation, you can loger in Rennes . There you will find many hotels , hostels and Airbnb .

So, what are you waiting for to visit the Château de Fougères?