The must-sees of the Romantic Fortress | Saint-Malo – Mont-Saint-Michel Bay

The mysterious soul!

Land of granite that has shaped the territory, go and discover its castles that cannot be ignored. The castle of Combourg is at the heart of one of the most famous literary movements in the world, Romanticism, where feelings are multiplied by a hundred, headed by a native of the region: François-René de Chateaubriand.

Good to know!

Blue granite is mined from the earth to travel the world, enjoying a great reputation for its shades of blue. The docks of Saint-Malo are a testament to its prestige, as well as the Cité des Sciences in La Villette, the Bank of China in Hong Kong, the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville in Paris, and many other buildings.

.

1. The Castle of Combourg

Let yourself be overwhelmed by the emotion of discovering the immense fortress in which the writer François-René de Chateaubriand spent his youth. Built in the 11th century on a hill, the castle never ceases to dominate the town of Combourg with its imposing towers, still impregnated by the history of Romanticism. Get ready, a journey through time awaits you…

Le Lac Tranquille Combourg Alexandre Lamoureux 723

2. Le Lac Tranquille

Discover the fauna and flora and the history of Combourg in a different way, during a stroll around Lac Tranquille. A desire for a peaceful walk? Enjoy the romantic air that floats in this place where time seems to have stopped. If you are lucky, you will see the city and its castle reflected in the water of this lake.

3. Romanticism

“It was in the woods of Combourg that I became what I am,” were the words of the writer François-René de Chateaubriand, inspired by the natural and authentic landscapes he observed as a child, from the château de Combourg. Considered as one of the precursors of romanticism, a French literary movement, the writer was impregnated by the atmosphere of this charming town. Like him, let yourself be inspired by the beauty of this green bubble!

Statue De Francois Rene De Chateaubriand Combourg Alexandre Lamoureux 717

Jardin De Granit De Lanhelin Mesnil Roc H Smbmsm 6855

4. The Granite Garden

17 monumental sculptures by artists from around the world are presented, some of which are up to 5 meters high. One of the works represents a map of Brittany with the 7 varieties of Breton granite.

5. The covered alley of the Mesnil Forest

The covered alley, the House of Fairies: In the Mesnil forest, after following small hiking trails, a megalithic site is discovered to you: a 14-meter long covered alley composed of 41 stones. Let yourself be surprised by the beauty of the place and by the spiritual force that emanates from these stones;

©Rodolphe Marics - Forêt du Mesnil - Tressé

Maison De La Lanterne Combourg Alexandre Lamoureux 710

6. The Houses of Comboug

The House of the Lantern : Former mansion built on the ruins of a fortified house in 1597, the House of the Lantern was also used as a refuge for the soldiers in charge of defending the city. Listed as a Historic Monument, this building of character now hosts exhibitions. Le Relais des Princes : Take a break and stop the time, in this atypical and warm place located near the Castle of Combourg. A half-timbered house built in the 16th century, it was an important post office at the crossroads of Fougères, Dinan, Rennes and Saint-Malo. La Cour du Temple : The Templars’ house (16th century), called the “Templerie”, was originally part of the Commandery of the Temple of La Guerche de Bretagne and belonged to the Templars’ order. The interior courtyard has many architectural elements from the 16th and 17th centuries. During works in 1928, a treasure dating from the reign of Louis XII was discovered there;

7. The Bourbansais castle

The Bourbansais castle was built in the 16th century, on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa. The building kept its appearance for a long time before being redesigned in the 18th century. Numerous openings were made on the facades, new pavilions were built and the first floor salons were fitted out according to the taste of the time and still testify today to the art of living in the Age of Enlightenment. The interior of the house is furnished with period furniture, the walls are covered with woodwork and Aubusson tapestry, and there are many curiosities to be discovered, including the dining room with its ceremonial crockery and the small blue salon, a masterpiece by the cabinetmaker Mancel. In addition to the main buildings, the estate includes a small 17th century chapel, a dovecote, working stables and a kennel for hunting with hounds. The castle is surrounded by a French garden and a vegetable garden classified as a “remarkable garden” as well as an 18-hectare zoological park created in 1965 and presenting nearly 400 animals, some of which are endangered species;

Still in the mood for a walk? Find all our hiking itineraries

All the hikes

Discover