Bourg-le-Roi has preserved a large part of its medieval architectural heritage, particularly its fortifications and fortified gates.
Those choosing Bourg-le-Roi as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
History
The ruins of the keep, the fortified gates and the fortified enclosure of Bourg-le-Roi are included in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.
A moat lay in front of the fortifications of Bourg-le-Roi, built in the 12th century. According to the chronicler Robert de Torigny, Henri II decided in 1169 to build a “very strongly fortified” castle in Bourg-le-Roi.
The Église Saint-Julien in Bourg-le-Roi dates back to the 12th century and was remodelled several times in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Chapelle St Mathurin was an important pilgrimage site.
Culture
The Musée du Point de Beauvais displays a 12-metre-long, fully embroidered fresco depicting the history of the Bourg-le-Roi municipality from 50 BC to AD 1450. Ecclesiastical vestments, paintings, linen and embroidered garments are also on display.
The Bourg-le-Roi embroidery workshop became known as far as the English court in the mid-19th century through the Boulard family's Point de Beauvais technique.
The Rencontres de la Broderie takes place every year in May in Bourg-le-Roi and offers exhibitions and colourful events; it is also organised by the Association Tourisme et Culture de Bourg-le-Roi.
Bourg-le-Roi is still surrounded by its old wall. The two fortified gates that remain today are the Porte Saint-Mathurin towards Le Mans and the Porte Saint-Rémy towards the Saosnois region.
Things to do
The “Par les portes et remparts” circular trail in Bourg-le-Roi is 8 kilometres long, classified as easy and designated as a circular route with a stated duration of two hours.
The “Par les portes et remparts” circular trail starts at the Place de l’Église in Bourg-le-Roi. Parking spaces are available near the church on Rue des Plantagenets.
Nature
The Bourg-le-Roi animal park is located on the two-hectare La Tour site between the ruins of the keep and offers panoramic views.
At the Bourg-le-Roi animal park, visitors can walk among Cotentin donkeys, dwarf goats, alpacas and Ouessant sheep.
An educational trail with question-and-answer signs is planned for the Bourg-le-Roi animal park.
