The best traffic-free bike rides around Baillé

((Private property)) The current château was built in 1758 according to the plans of Antoine Forestier, known as the Younger; the Saint Peter's Chapel, located to the north, dates from 1608. It is mentioned in François-René de Chateaubriand's *Memoirs from Beyond the Grave* (Part One, Book V). It has been listed as a historical monument since July 22, 2004 [(Source: Wikipedia)] The Battle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier (July 28, 1488) took place on the heath now known as "the Heath of the Meeting." It pitted the Bretons against the French; the latter were victorious. Jean II de la Celle (1450-1507), Lord of La Sécardaie, participated in the battle, and two cannonballs from this battle are preserved at the Château de la Sécardaie: the Breton cannonball (the larger one) is made of granite; The French cannonball (the heaviest) is made of iron. (Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9zi%C3%A8res-sur-Couesnon) "History Section"

The famous rock alignment known as the Druids' Line is as intriguing as it is fascinating. What are eighty quartz blocks doing, stretching over three hundred meters, in an area where this type of stone doesn't exist? Was it a religious or pagan practice? To date, no researcher has found the answer. The Druids' Line follows a general north-northeast orientation, despite numerous meanders. This type of alignment, in a single line, is quite rare in Brittany. It is mistakenly called the Druids' Line, as it is not a Celtic installation, dating back to the Neolithic period. (Source: https://www.destination-fougeres.bzh)

The Jardin Public is centrally located in the city and extends over several terraces offering sweeping views of the old town and the Château de Fougères. Created in 1865, the park combines features of an English landscape garden, French garden architecture, and botanical design.

The Église Saint-Léonard was built in the 12th century and acquired its present form in the flamboyant Gothic style in the 15th and 16th centuries. During the French Revolution, the church was deprived of its sacred function, but in the 19th century, under architects such as Aristide Tourneux, it underwent extensive renovations, including a new main façade with a large rose window. Inside, 19th-century stained-glass windows depicting episodes from the life of Saint Léonard can be seen.

Dominated by one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, Fougères boasts magnificent ramparts, towers, and a perfectly preserved historic center. From the heights, the view takes in the Nançon Valley and its half-timbered houses, offering beautiful perspectives. It's an ideal stop along the Régalante to immerse yourself in Breton history before hitting the road again.

The renowned landscape painter and avant-garde colorist Emmanuel de la Villéon, who associated with the greatest independent painters of his time, experimented with different styles and brushstrokes. This collection of oil, pastel, gouache, charcoal, and ink paintings traces his career through selected works. The museum is usually open during school holidays in Zone B. The museum is currently closed due to leaks!

Bird watching possible!

Nice trail in the forest