Combourg

Visit Combourg, Brittany

Combourg is found between Rennes and St Malo in north-east Brittany, in the Ille et Vilaine department. It is a pleasant town dominated by the important Chateau de Combourg.

Before visiting the town it is important to know that Chateaubriand, the romantic French author, lived in the castle at Combourg for a while in the late 18th century. Although his stay only lasted a couple of years Chateaubriand said that the stay much influenced his writing - and the town are keen that the association be remembered.

Exploring Combourg

Chateau de Combourg

The impressive multi-turreted chateau that dominates the town was originally built in the 13th century, although substantially modified in the two centuries that followed. It was in 1761 that the castle was bought by the Chateaubriand family (parents of the author), subsequently being inherited by the author's older brother in 1786 - an ownership that wasn't to last long, because in the years of terror following the revolution in 1789 they were executed.

The castle is still owned by one of Chateaubriands descendants, and is open to the public where, among other things, you can see various artefacts belonging to the late Chateaubriand and rooms furnished in the style of that time.

The chateau is also surrounded by well-maintained landscaped gardens so allow plenty of time for an amble or a picnic.

Other highlights in Combourg

Although the castle is the best known monument in Combourg, there are several other sites of interest - start your exploration of the town at one of the finest buildings in the town centre, the Maison de la Lanterne', which is also home to the tourist office.

Strolling around the old town you will also see a couple of half-timbered buildings and a substantial 19th century church.

The weekly market in Combourg takes place on a Monday.

Places of interest close by

Another chateau of interest to visit nearby is the Chateau de Landal, to the north of Combourg.

Note: main photo of Combourg Castle by Dominique Provost.

See Brittany and Ille-et-Vilaine (the region and department for Combourg) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Combourg, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Emerald Coast 33km; Saint-Malo 33km; Rennes 33km; Dinard 34km; Plancoet 38km; Fougeres 41km; Granville 49km;

Combourg tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins du château de la Bourbansais - remarkable garden (11km) : Jardin du château de La Ballue - remarkable garden (16km) : Parc du château de Caradeuc - remarkable garden (19km) : Parc du château de Bonnefontaine - remarkable garden (20km) : Saint-Juvat - ville fleurie 4* (23km) : Jardins de Montmarin - remarkable garden (30km) : Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel (Mont-Saint-Michel) - religious monument (31km) : Le Rheu - ville fleurie 4* (34km) :

See more places and a map at places near Combourg