Ille-et-Vilaine is situated in the east of Brittany. Major towns and cities include
Bécherel
The town of Bécherel is perched on the foothills of the Monts d'Arrée (Arrée mountains). It is a pretty town which and
preserved its charm of past centuries. From the former fortress to the beautiful granite houses there is a maze of
narrow streets with names evoking its important commercial activities in the 17th and 18th centuries and notably its
linen and hemp market. From the roman era, an oppidum (fortified town) was built on this strategic site, and then a
fortress in the beginning of the 12th century. Of the surrounding fortified wall, which had nine towers, five can still
be seen, as well as part of the ramparts and the base of the keep..
Châteaugiron
Châteaugiron was originally a feudal town. It lies south of Rennes between the Vilaine valley and the Seiche
Valley (the two rivers), in the middle of a hilly landscape. It's network of medieval streets and its medieval
castle make it very charming.
The town of Châteaugiron was founded in the 11th century. It still bears witness to its thousand year old
history. It owes its name to Giron, son of the Norman knight called Anquetil who was given the right to build the
castle here by Alain III, the Duke of Brittany.
Dinard
Dinard is a wonderful seaside resort. It combines the pleasures of the walking along the seashore and water
sport activities with the old-fashioned charm of its Belle Epoque style villas. The town stretches out over a
succession of of headlands interspersed by some very beautiful beaches. From West to East, you will discover
Saint Enogat beach, Port Riou, the Pointe des Etêtés (Etêtés headland), Pointe de la Malouine
(Saint Malo headland), the Prieuré beach, the Pointe de la Vicomté (Viscounty headland. The coastal
paths are a wonderful place to go walking..
Fougères
The town of Fougères is on the border of Brittany half-way between Maine and Normandy. It has always been a
proud stronghold of the Marches of Brittany, with its thousand year old castle standing on the edge of the river
Nançon.
Fougères was founded in the 10th C. Its magnificent fortress, which was built two centuries later. Its
defences were redesigned many times in the following 400 years. Today this castle is a brilliant example of
military architecture and one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Moat, curtain wall, keep, etc. A
guided tour is an excellent way of experiencing the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
La Guerche-de-Bretagne
The once fortified town of La Guerche-de-Bretagne progressively took shape from the 10th to the 12th century
around its castle and large chapel. The castle, a simple wooden keep, was replaced by a stone structure in
the 15th century. The latter was subsequently destroyed in 1739.
Every Tuesday since 1121 A.D. a large traditional market has been held here. Over 300 stalls constitute
this weekly event which welcomes customers from far and wide, making it one of the great markets of France.
Redon
Redon is at the intersection of the Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atalantique and Morbihan Departments. It is also
located at the confluence of the two biggest rivers in Brittany, the Oust and the Vilaine.
Rennes
Rennes is the capital of Brittany and is the 10th biggest city in France. It s fine squares, pictureseque old
quarters, timber-framed hotels, pedestrian-only streets, and its general liveliness make it a a very pleasant
city to live in. It has a large industrial zone and is also a major agricultural and business centre.
Vitré
Vitré is a beautiful town with a medieval flavour at the gateway to Brittany. Its fortress was built on a
rocky spur and defies the centuries, while its half-timbered houses reflect the riches of the Overseas
Merchants, who, long ago, traded fabrics all over the world.
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