Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de la Belinaye, built between 1740 and 1742 in Fougères (Ille-et-Vilaine), is a mansion of classical architecture commissioned by the Viscount of La Belinaye. It replaces a defensive spur that once protected the Roger Gate, one of the city's medieval entrances. The building, built in granite, combines stone and stone for frames, reflecting the prestige of its owner, also lord of the castles of La Belinaye and Bois-le-Houx.

The main façade, initially turned towards the garden, is inspired by the Town Hall of Rennes by its concave shape and granite links. Inside, the distribution was modified in the 19th century to accommodate the Tribunal d'Forum (1958–2009), then the jurisdiction of Fougères-Vitré since 2012. The semi-entered ground floor, illuminated by spirals, supports a terrace accessible by two stairs, while the circular pediment, formerly adorned with coats of arms, crown it all.

The hotel is famous for being the birthplace of Armand Tuffin de La Rouërie (13 April 1751), hero of the American War of Independence and figure of the Breton conjuration. His mother, Thérèse de La Belinaye, lived there. After the Revolution, the building became a court, a role it still retains today. Only the facade on garden has been protected at Historic Monuments since February 3, 1928, demonstrating its heritage importance.

Architecturally, the rear façade (now main) has three floors in granite bellows, with a prominent central body framed by Tuscan columns. The croup roof and the stack, decorated with a clock dial, add to its monumental character. The use of coating for flat surfaces contrasts with the structural elements made of cut stone, creating a balance between sobriety and refinement.

Located 5 Place Aristide Briand (former Place d'Armes), the hotel gives its name to the Rue du Tribunal. Its history reflects the urban transformations of Fougères, moving from an aristocratic residence to a judicial symbol. The conversion into a court has altered its internal distribution, but the facade on garden, masterpiece of the eighteenth century, remains an exceptional testimony of Breton classical architecture.

Future

Court of First Instance and then Grand Instance from 1958 to 2009, following the re-establishment of a Tribunal d'Forum in Fougères1, since 1 January 2012 it has been the first instance court for the new Arrondissement de Fougères-Vitré.

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