Combourg, the romantic
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Combourg's dedication to the memory of the great writer, François-René de Chateaubriand, the historical character of its centre and the beauty of its surrounding countryside have made the town the birthplace of Romanticism. Combourg castle, a medieval fortress, is an authentic fortified castle bought in the eighteenth century by the father of F-R. de Chateaubriand.
Enjoy a lovely walk through the greenery around the Tranquil Lake at the foot of the castle and carry on into the undergrowth along the recently traced out literary footpath. The old town is interlaced with old medieval streets and examples of pretty sixteenth century timber framed houses. Make sure you stop off at the Maison des Princes or at the Lantern House, a beautiful granite residence. The sculpted recesses with statues that can be seen on the front of certain old houses are another of the town's architectural whims. These features have all contributed to the historical charm which has resulted in Combourg being classified as a "Petite Cité de Caractère" (Small Town with Special Character).
The birthplace of Romanticism
"It was in the woods of Combourg that I became who I am today". With these famous words, the Viscount of Chateaubriand paid hommage to the town that revealed his literary genius, a tribute that was to go down in posterity. Born in Saint-Malo in 1768, he spent his early years and then his holidays at Combourg Castle. Chateaubriand's powerful imagination and brilliant style of writing, blending eloquent passion and florid descriptions, had a major influence on the Romantic movement. He was laid to rest in Saint-Malo, facing out to sea on the Grand-Bé rock. At low tide, you can walk out to his tomb from the city walls.
Around Combourg
If you are a lover of literature, history, architecture and nature, why not walk in the footsteps of the famous writer along the Route Chateaubriand. This road winds its way through his native land, dotted with castles and remarkable landmarks. In particular, you will see the Château de Bourbansais and its gardens, which are listed as a Historical Monument, the Château de la Ballue, whose gardens are a haven full of beautiful plants and leisure parks such as Cobac Park at Lanhélin (which in 2000 received a trophy at the Haute-Bretagne Ille-et-Vilaine Tourism awards) and Zooloisirs at Québriac.
