Castles in Brittany
Josselin Castle
There's quite a few castles in Brittany and perhaps top of the list is Josselin castle. Close to our gites with its three majestic towers this fairytale castle dominates the valley of the River Oust. Its striking gothic design is really impressive. Take a guided tour around the castle and learn its fascinating story and how it played its part in Brittanys convoluted history -English tours as well as French
Chateau de Suscino
Perhaps the most imposing of Brittanys castle's is at Sarzeau. This ex-residence of the Duke of Brittany is located just to the south of Vannes. It is extremely well preserved with stunning architecture and the fourteenth century floor mosaics are remarkable and well worth seeing. Pass over the moat, through the portcullis and wander around at your own pace
Rochefort-En-Terre
This medieval fortress is set overlooking the beautiful ancient town of Rochefort-En-Terre and it owes its fame to the fact that it was the residence of the famous painters Alfred and Trafford Klots. Now it holds a collection of rare paintings and traditional sculptures. Even If you're not too interested in the chateau you should go here just to see the town itself, which is packed full of great places to eat plus small artisanal shops selling all sorts of things
La Bourbansais
La Bourbanais is a lovely chateau that also has a fully fledged zoo within its grounds. You can walk through the gardens and zoo, see a display of hunting birds and then visit the chateau itself
Saint-Savaur Abbey
The Romanesque tower was built in the twelfth century on the orders of The Duke of Brittany although the site itself was first declared holy in the the eighth century. The abbey later became an important centre for trade between the interior and the coast
Guer Chappelle
Just outside Guer -a few minutes from our gites- is a small sixth century chapel which contains some extremely rare murals and artifacts. You can go there and take a tour in English on Sunday afternoons by the very enthusiastic curator
Malestroit Church
Construction of this mediaeval church was started during the Hundred Year War and was added to for several centuries thereafter.. free to visit
La Roche Goyon
La Roche Goyon draws its name from one of the oldest Brittany families. The Goyon's became very important and many of them were members of the Brittany parliament. They built the fort to be their 'country residence' and it was designed to display the strength, power and standing of the family- and so it does
Three hundred years later the castle was disposed of by the then Ministry of War and designated as a 'place of historic interest' in 1925. It has been restored since then and is now open to visitors
Notre Dame Abbey
You can visit the Notre Dame Abbey at Campeneac and see how the nuns live and work. If you wish you may pray in their church and at the monastic shop you can find a selection of the Abbey's products- home made chocolate, biscuits, cakes and stuff
The Fort National
This castle is actually in the sea just off St Malo and was built in 1689 to protect the northern coast. Take an English language tour and enjoy the all round amazing scenery and views
The Citadel
Of all the castles in Brittany this is perhaps the most menacing. At Port Louis this rather ugly fort guards the entrance to the harbour and dominates the coastline. You can either see it by boat or go inside and explore
