Saint James

On the borders of Normandy and Brittany, Saint-James is a city with a rich past, shaped by its strategic role and its exceptional heritage. Located on a rocky spur, the city has been a major defensive point throughout the centuries and today preserves traces of its history, from medieval fortifications to major episodes in the textile industry.

A City Marked by History

Since ancient times, Saint-James has been a privileged place of passage. The first men left traces there, as evidenced by the Polissoir de Saint-Benoît, a Neolithic megalith used to shape stone tools. The Gauls built a pagus there in the Beuvron valley, and the Romans left vestiges there, including coins found in the surrounding area.

From the 10th century onwards, the Dukes of Normandy decided to fortify the region against Breton threats. To do this, they built the Haye de Terre, a 1,300-metre-long defensive earthwork, accompanied by flooded ditches. This natural rampart was a key element in securing the Normandy border.

The Middle Ages: Birth and Expansion of Saint-James

The town really took off in the 11th century. In 1027, Dukes Robert the Magnificent and Richard III, father and uncle of William the Conqueror, had the Priory and the Church of Saint-Jacques built, under the supervision of the royal abbey of Fleury-sur-Loire.

Forty years later, William the Conqueror strengthened the city's defenses by building a fortified castle and ramparts. The Beuvron Valley was flooded to create defensive ponds, and two lines of fortifications protected Saint-James on the Pontorson side. Thanks to these infrastructures, the city became an essential stronghold.

In the Middle Ages, Saint-James prospered thanks to its textile industry. Known for its production of cloth, the town had nearly 50 clothiers producing 5,000 pieces per year. This industry was accompanied by the development of related trades such as tanning, fur-making and mills. Four major annual fairs then punctuated the economic life of the town.

Saint-James through the centuries

The city was marked by periods of unrest:

• Hundred Years' War: English occupation from 1378 to 1419, change of name from Saint-Jacques-du-Beuvron to Saint-James.
• Wars of Religion (16th century): Weakening of the stronghold, leading to the dismantling of the castle in 1590.
• Revolution of 1789: Saint-James becomes a point of conflict between the Republicans and the Chouans. It is briefly renamed Beuvron-les-Monts.

An Industrial Heritage: Saint-James Knitwear

In the 19th century, Saint-James was transformed by the rise of new industries. The Venetian lantern factory prospered until the arrival of electricity in 1936. But it was the rise of wool textiles that had a lasting impact on the local economy.

Tricots Saint-James, born from this tradition, are today renowned worldwide for their famous sailor sweaters and striped sweaters. The modern factory, located in the city's industrial zone, employs more than 300 people and perpetuates a unique know-how in France.

The Must-See Places to Discover

🏰 Saint-Jacques Church (1027): Built by the Dukes of Normandy, it houses a historic organ from Saint-Pierre de Gros Caillou in Paris.

🌿 The Montjoie-Saint-Martin American Cemetery: A place of remembrance paying tribute to the 4,410 soldiers who fell during the liberation of France.

⛪ Saint-Benoît Church: Former parish older than Saint-James, rehabilitated as a cultural center.

🪨 The Polisher of Saint-Benoît: Neolithic megalith used for the manufacture of stone tools.

🔵 View of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: From certain points in the city, you can admire the bay and its emblematic abbey.

Why Visit Saint-James?

Between medieval heritage, military memory and textile tradition, Saint-James is a city that bears witness to its past on every street corner. With its historical remains, its excellent craftsmanship and its ideal location between Normandy and Brittany, it is an authentic and fascinating stopover for all history and culture enthusiasts.

Come and discover Saint-James, a city between legends, traditions and modernity!

See the Saint James city website