20 minutes from Rennes, towards St Malo

The Parc de La Bourbansais is designed for leisure and recreation but it is also a learning centre and a sanctuary for endangered species.
The French style gardens are reminiscent of the classicism of the grand Parks inspired by architect André Le Nôtre. The botanic walk displays the main species of trees and shrubs, which can be seen as you walk round the entire park and the gardens. A large number of these species were planted at the same time as those found in the Thabor garden in Rennes, the town where the Bourbansais lord was Mayor. The Bourbansais castle is a historic monument and a listed site, and is also one of the most harmonious of Brittany’s grand castles.

www.labourbansais.com

20 minutes from Rennes, towards Paris

You will certainly be impressed by this medieval town with its castle, which stands on a raised rocky outcrop. Wander through the narrow streets of the walled old town and stand and admire the elegant slate-roof houses with their half-timbered structures and collared wood-framed appearance.  Come and discover the Notre-Dame church, the jewel of Upper Brittany’s flamboyant gothic heritage.

www.ot-vitre.fr/

20 minutes from Rennes, towards Caen

Fougères is an ancient city, and has a rich, action-packed history.   The surrounding area has an even longer past. Come and see the megalithic stones which line the forest next to the town: take a look also at the Roman crossroads in the Nançon valley.

Situated on a rocky island hemmed in between marshes and the meanders of the river, the solid citadel and its castle, extended by the high walls which surround the town, witnessed incessant fighting for three centuries. Although it’s a vibrant centre for handicrafts, Fougères is now a town at rest behind its ramparts.

www.ot-fougeres.fr

30 minutes from Rennes, towards Paimpont

In Comper, in the valley which stretches out in front of the old castle, Merlin built a crystal palace for Viviane. So that she was not disturbed by any watching passers by, he built it by a lake. The Château de Comper is home to the Centre of Arthurian Legend, which specializes in literature, fine art and exhibitions of all themes associated with Brocéliande. So come and visit this exhibition centre and learn more about Arthurian Legend.

www.centre-arthurien-broceliande.com

45 minutes from Rennes, towards Saint Malo
Combourg is a picturesque village with a population of around 4800. It is situated near a lake and is dominated by a feudal castle built in the 11th century. This fortress with four towers and its round rampart walk belongs to the time of the Duguesclin family. In the 18th century, it became the property of François-René Chateaubriand’s father. Chateaubriand and his sister Lucile spent two years of their youth here, which he mentions in his “Memoirs from Beyond the Grave”.

www.combourg.com/