Combourg reveals its history through very different types of architecture: the Maison de la Lanterne is a granite building in the Renaissance style, while the Relais des Princes is one of the town’s last half-timbered houses built in the 16th century. Other highlights include Lac Tranquille, the park at Château de Combourg and a local tradition dating back to the 16th century. During your stay, you can focus on architecture, landscape and culture as distinct themes.
Building History in Different Forms
The Maison de la Lanterne was built in 1597 on the site of a fortified house where Duguesclin stayed. Its large granite tower is pierced by arrow slits. Together with its Renaissance style, this gives the building a distinctly different appearance from the Relais des Princes: this half-timbered house is one of the last of its kind built in Combourg in the 16th century. Both buildings show how varied historic architecture can be within the town.
The Cour du Temple is also worth visiting for its individual architectural features. Its courtyard preserves numerous architectural details from the 15th and 17th centuries, including mullioned windows and round arches. The neo-Gothic design is a defining feature of Notre-Dame Church, which was consecrated in 1887. Its apse chapel contains relics of Saint Gilduin. Secular building history and religious heritage thus stand side by side in Combourg, without reducing the town to a single style or era.
Fortress, Lake and Park
The fortress of Château de Combourg has four large granite towers. With battlements and machicolations, they surround a rectangular courtyard. This clear arrangement is a striking architectural feature: the towers frame the courtyard, while the defensive details shape the character of the complex. On Place Chateaubriand, there is also a statue of Chateaubriand created by Alphonse Terroir.
Lac Tranquille offers a different perspective. It is classified as a ZNIEFF-1 site, meaning a natural area of ecological, faunal and floral interest. The Gloriette, a hexagonal building dating from the late 19th century, stands on the north shore. The château also has a park that the Bühler brothers landscaped in the English style during a restoration in the 19th century. If you would like to explore Combourg beyond its buildings, the lake and park offer a distinct landscape focus.
Walking Routes and Planning Your Visit
The “À la découverte du patrimoine” walking route starts in Combourg. It is rated easy, takes two hours and is 2.0 kilometres long. It includes twelve sights. The distance and stated duration can help you factor the route length and time required separately into your plans. Check the latest route details before setting out.
The Circuit Chateaubriand No. 15 is another named route; it starts at the Croix de l’Étang in Combourg. When choosing between the two routes, use the information provided for each: the length, duration and difficulty level are given for “À la découverte du patrimoine”, while the starting point is the main detail provided here for the Circuit Chateaubriand.
The Foire de l’Angevine may also be relevant when planning your dates: the tradition continues every year in early September and dates back to 1547. If you would like to plan your trip around this recurring event, check the latest event dates before booking.
Plan the Right Stay
First, consider what you would like your stay to focus on: the different architectural styles and historical periods, the landscape around Lac Tranquille and the park, or a visit during the Foire de l’Angevine. Check that your preferred accommodation is available when you book.
Discover more destinations: Vezin-Le-Coquet, Saint-Pierre-De-Plesguen, Meillac, Grand-Fougeray, Pipriac, Saint-Suliac, Dompierre-du-Chemin, Tremblay.
For the regional travel guide: Ille-Et-Vilaine.
