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Origin and history

The Nichot Tower is a medieval tower located in Fougères, part of the town's urban enclosure. It belongs to the south and west ramparts of the city, along the lower valley of Nançon, between the redan extending the Notre Dame gate and the Papegaud tower. Its construction in cornean bellows, with three granite cords, dates from the first half of the thirteenth century, during the reign of Raoul III (1212-1256).

The tower was named by André Almire, its owner in the 1940s-1950s, before being bought by the city. Long masked by half-timbered houses on Rue de la Pinterie, it was cleared after the bombings of 1944, which destroyed the surrounding medieval parcellaire. Today, its rear face overlooks a small square.

Round in shape, the Nichot tower is pierced with arches and crowned with mâchicoulis with full arching, carried by three-strikes consoles. Its crenelated parapet and sommital turret are modern additions. The tower was classified as historical monuments by decree of 10 September 1913, and now belongs to the commune of Fougères.

Its architecture reflects its defensive role in the city's fortification system, with elements adapted to artillery (cannon fire). It bears witness to the medieval urbanisation of Fougères, marked by ramparts and fortified gates such as the Notre Dame gate or the Papegaud tower, with which it forms a coherent whole.

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