We stumble upon the Chateau de Fougeres

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Sometimes the stars align and everything falls into place. On a whim we followed a sign to Fougeres in France intending to visit a castle and a cathedral. Parking as always was a nightmare but eventually we found somewhere where the motor-home would fit without inconveniencing others. By the time we found parking we weren’t too sure how to get to the castle but a young family were heading off with great purpose so we followed them. I’d just read a post about losing one’s car so we took particular note how to get back ‘home’ at the end of the day. Their path led us along a little stream which ran at the back of houses. The flowers and gardens were magnificent. Then we began seeing a lot of people heading the same way and dressed in medieval costumes. Streets into the centre of town had been blocked off and we eventually found out there was to be a great festival in the town including a mock battle between two ancient factions. For just four euros, we gained a seat in the castle courtyard – a natural ampitheatre – and were entertained by a number of artists performing various medieval entertainments. There was then a melodrama played out whereby the king’s daughter fell in love with someone from the wrong side of the tracks, he was believed dead, a horse pulling a hearse was bought in but the coffin was full of swords and there was a great battle between the archers of both sides. After the performance, we walked the streets and visited many of the attractions which had seen set up including an area where ancient games were demonstrated or able to be played. Many of the locals had dressed for the part even though they didn't have a particular role to play in the proceedings. We were amazed that we’d stumbled across this festival without even trying. This is long enough so I’ll add a photo and later do separate posts on some of the various attractions. The stars went their own way after the festival as our GPS took us to four different camping sites, none of which existed, before we found one for ourselves. We really needed to find a campsite as we needed power and were almost out of water. So the adventures continue.