Fougères

“This castle really is way above and beyond anything that words can say –
I am sure that Fougeres must be the most beautiful of them all”

Laurence of Arabia / Letters 26 August 1907

Fougères’ major monument is a medieval stronghold built atop a granite ledge, which was part of the defence system of the Duchy of Brittany against French aggression. Fougères also has one of only three belfries in Brittany.  A sizable section of the town walls survive stretching from the château in the lower town up the hill to surround the upper town, and there is a delightful (but steep) walk down through a public garden to the chateau. A selection of reasonably priced brasseries and creperies are situated in the courtyard overlooking the chateau and moat – great for lunch or a cup of coffee on a sunny day.

The tour of the chateau is very child friendly, and on Thursday evenings in the summer there is free outdoor family entertainment. The cobbled street past the belfry in the upper town also serves as the centre of the Saturday market.

The old church (St Sulpice) near the chateau is also worth a visit as the inside features un-restored wood.

The American Cemetery

The American cemetery at St James.

The Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial in France contains the remains of 4,410 American war dead, most of whom lost their lives in the Normandy and Brittany campaigns of 1944. Along the retaining wall of the memorial terrace are inscribed the names of 498 of the missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.

The cemetery is open to the public daily from 9 a.m.to 5p.m including bank Holidays (except for December 25 and January 1).  A staff member is on duty in the Visitor Building to answer questions and escort relatives to the grave and memorial sites. It is located about a 10 minute drive from Les Touches, on the road between St Georges and St James.

Sandy Beaches

Superb long sandy beaches are to be found on the Cotentin peninsula, between Avranches and Granville – about 45 – 50 minutes away from Les Touches.  At Granville, there is something to please adults and little ones.  Why not explore one of the museums of the town (Christian Dior museum and Modern Art Museum of Richard Anacreon).  Our favourites beaches are Carolles, Jullouville and especially St Jean Le Thomas (our favourite).  In the winter months, having a long walk along St Jean Le Thomas beach, with the view of Mont St Michel in the distance, makes winter more bearable.  If you are lucky enough you may even see race horses training on the beach.

For those who are interested in the history of the Second World War, why not take an excursion to visit the landing beaches, many of our previous hosts did so during their stay at Les Touches and it was a very memorable experience.

Dinan

The medieval town of Dinan is well worth a visit. The medieval town on the hilltop has many fine old buildings, some of which date from the 13th century. The town retains a large section of the city walls, part of which can be walked round.

Major historical attractions include the Jacobins Theatre dating from 1224, the flamboyant Gothic St Malo’s Church, the Romanesque St Saviour’s Basilica, Duchess Anne’s Tower and the Château de Dinan.

A major highlight in the calendar is Dinan’s Fête des Remparts. The town is transformed with decoration and many locals dress up in medieval garb for this two-day festival. The festival takes place over the third weekend in July every even-numbered year.

St Malo

After Mont St Michel, St Malo is the most popular tourist destination in the region. It is the historic centre of naval exploration and piracy, and the original ramparts were extensively rebuilt after the war and offer excellent views of the town and the sea. 

Tall granite walls surround the old town, which was once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king). The Saint-Malo Cathedral, in the center of the old town, is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles and features stained-glass windows depicting city history. Nearby is La Demeure de Corsaire, an 18th-century privateer’s house and museum.

Those with children or adults who are young at heart will enjoy a visit at the Grand Aquarium of St Malo, where they can explore the sub marine secrets of more than 600 species from the oceans and seas of the world and witness the wonder in the eyes of their offspring during that visit. 

Monthault

If you have decided to come to Les Touches, we hope that a countryside walk is something that is appealing to you.  At the doorstep of Les Touches, you can appreciate a walk in the woods of the neighbouring commune of Monthault.  While you are wandering around enjoying the fresh air and wildlife of the woodland, you surprisingly come to a stop when facing La Chapelle Du Rocher, right in the middle of the woods.  That chapel projects a feeling of inner peace.  It is usually closed through out the year, except Assumption Day and Easter.

This is the perfect location for a picnic, with its wonderful views of the countryside.  A place to creating memories with the loved ones, when it is one of those days during the holidays where you just want to take it easy.