After Quimper we moved to Fougères. The only campsite here is the municipal site on the edge of town. It is very pleasant and not too busy. Although it was quite basic I did get an extra which was a mouse in my shower one day.
Fougères' major monument is a medieval stronghold built on a granite ledge, which was part of the ultimately unsuccessful defence system of the Duchy of Brittany against French aggression.
Fougères also has one of only three belfries in Brittany. Its location serves as the centre of the weekend market, which we visited. The belfry, built 1397, has symbolic importance: funded by local merchants it allowed ordinary people access to timekeeping previously the preserve of the church and nobility.
The Belfry
In the gardens behind Eglise St. Leonard
An English lady offered to take our photo and we asked ‘How long was she staying here for?’ She replied’ I’ve lived here for 15 years!’ must be nice then.
There was a wedding at the Eglise
Fougères fortress – the largest fortress in France
Fougères Castle is an amazing monument of medieval military architecture, but also considered one of the best preserved fortified castles in Europe.
Today the castle has been preserved in its authentic form, as it was constructed during the last half of the 15th century. It has a structure, which is made up of three main parts and is a very good example of a medieval fortress.
The first barrier of Fougères Castle serves to protect the castle and is the central place to attack enemies. The second barrier was the place in those centuries where everyday life was bubbling. This area is also used to shelter people in case of attack on the fortress. The third barrier was fenced to protect the entire fortress. Then followed the main retaining walls before the trench was excavated. In cases of attack it was filled with water for better defence.
Buildings in Fougères
Lavoir du Nançon – the old laundry
Altogether we were away 4 weeks and travelled about 950 miles in total. We returned by Brittany Ferries on the Caen – Portsmouth route. For the first time ever we stayed on the docks overnight in amongst other Brits – we felt quite safe and didn’t have to travel too far for the ferry in the morning – 200 metres. Also there was not strike to hold us up like there was last year. A good holiday all-round.
A new gizmo
Collage creator for some of the photos seen and not seen
Oldie photo – 1982 Island of Thassos, Greece
This is before our caravanning days, here we are on the way back from Istanbul.
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