Discover Bécherel: Books, Architectural History and Gardens

Bécherel can be explored as a travel destination through two themes: the Cité du Livre and its historic townscape. Since 1989, it has been France’s first Cité du Livre. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether book culture and event dates or architectural history and the landscape will shape your stay.

Book town and cultural events

The Cité du Livre includes around 15 bookshops. There are also two calligraphers and illuminators, a bookbinding workshop, as well as publishers, illustrators, artists and craftspeople. This approximate mix may change. Cultural life extends beyond the bookshops: the Maison du Livre has an exhibition space, workshop rooms and an auditorium for conferences, readings and performances.

Several recurring events offer different highlights. The Marché du Livre takes place from March to December on the first Sunday of each month. The Fête du Livre is held every Easter weekend; its programme includes exhibitions, a book market, author meetings, workshops, performances, concerts, readings and film screenings. In summer, in early August, the Nuit du Livre de Bécherel is held as a festive evening event. La Fureur de lire is a national book event organised in Bécherel in October. Check the specific dates and annual programme before your trip.

Practical activities related to book arts are also part of the picture: Plume & Or offers demonstrations, courses and workshops in Latin calligraphy and illumination in Bécherel and Rennes, as well as on request. Workshop availability may change; check in advance if you are interested.

Fortifications and historic houses

The townscape reflects several building periods. Almost 500 metres of the fortified town’s walls remain, forming an almost continuous stretch. They date mainly from the second half of the 14th century and the first quarter of the 15th century. The Prieuré Notre-Dame retains a bell-tower porch from the 17th century; the present-day church was rebuilt in 1866 under the direction of Jacques Mellet.

Other buildings offer insights into later architectural styles and former uses. The Maison du Gouverneur is a house dating from the late 16th century. Its dressed-stone façade is adorned with Renaissance pilasters. The Maison de la Filanderie was the 16th-century home of a cloth merchant. Its half-timbered façade is decorated with fern motifs. Together, these buildings offer different architectural reference points within the historic townscape, though they do not all date from the same period.

Gardens, pond and views

The landscape can also be experienced at specific locations. The Jardin du Thabor offers a green retreat in the heart of Bécherel. The terraced Jardin de l’ancien couvent is adapted to Bécherel’s hillside setting; its landscape value is part of its distinctive character. The two gardens thus reflect different relationships with the town and the hillside.

At the Étang de la Teinture, landscaped banks provide a walk around the pond, as well as an educational trail through a wetland. The Promenade du chemin de ronde offers views over the expansive landscapes around Bécherel. Another trace of local history can be found at the Lavoir de la Couaille: the washhouse was built in the 19th century on the site of an older washhouse, where locally grown flax was bleached. Together, these stops offer perspectives beyond the book town, taking in water, the hillside setting and work in earlier times.

Plan your journey

The Bécherel Centre stop is served by STAR route 82 and BreizhGo route 7. Check routes and timetables before travelling to make sure your journey suits your planned travel dates.

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-Des-Fougeretz, Sougéal, Guichen, Chantepie, Pancé, Fougères, Bonnemain, Cuguen.

Back to the regional travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.