Castles and Chateaux in Brittany, France

Chateau de Rohan in Pontivy

Le Chateau des Rohan, constructed around 1480 by Jean II, Viscount of Rohan, constitutes a remarkable example of military architecture from the end of the Middle Ages.  During the summer many exhibitions are proposed.

Opening Times

From 1st Oct - 31May - every day and bank holidays except Monday and Tuesday. 10h - 12h/14h-18h
In June and September, every day - 10h - 12h/14h-18h
In July and August - every day - 10h30 - 19h 

Chateau des Forges des Salles

Near to the Lac de Guerledan, in the heart of the Foret de Quenecan, the iron and steel making villages of Forges des Salles, is a remarkable evidence of Brittany's past during the 18thC and the 19thC.  Around the house of the Maitre des Forges and around the terraced gardens, are grouped La Rangee des Forgerons, the workshops, le haut-fourneau, the school, the chapel, the forge, the Buraue de Paye, which were re-equipped in the traditional way and fitted with a video lounge, models all explaining the functions. 

Opening Times

Guided tours at 14h & 18h30 - De Paques a la Toussaint, Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holidays in July and August - every day.

Vannes

With its ramparts built in the 14thC and 15thC, La Tour du Connetable, the medieval town, the Saint-Piere Cathedral, the museum of Les Beaux-Arts, the Prehistoric Museum, Vannes forms a unique architectural grouping.

Domaine de Kerguehennec

The Domaine, property of the "Departement", is a sacred meeting place between history and inheritance.  The Centre of Contemporary Art presents a collection of sculptures in the park (170hectares).  Exhibitions in the 18thC Chateua and the surrounding area.

Opening Times

February and November - 10h - 18h except Monday, during the season until 19h.

Chateua de Rochefort-en-Terre

On the site of a medieval fortress dominating a little town of character, the chateau the property of the "Departement", exhibits pictures and collections of the former owners, the American painters Alfred and Trafford Klots. A visit to the newly opened museum will complete your visit.  As ell as permanent exhibitions there are also temporary displays.

Opening Times

April, May and October - Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays - 10h -12h/14h-18h30, 
School holidays - 14h  18h30
June, September - every day 10h - 12h/14h - 18h30
July, August - every day 10h - 18h30

Parc de Branfere

An unforgettable walk among the animals roaming freely in a several times hundred year old botanical park, around the Chateau of Branfere.  The visit is made by foot, a picnic area has been especially made near the entrance to the park.

Opening Times

All year

Musee de La Vilaine Maritime

The museum de la Vilaine Maritime, is situated in the chateau Des Bassess-Fossess, historical building of the 16thC and 17thC, housed on two restored levels, collections dedicated to maritime customs and traditions and the estuary of Vilaine.  Objects, photos, scenes and audio-visual contribute to recreate the atmosphere of the life on the river at the beginning of the century.

Opening Times

1st June - 21st June - every day, 14h30 - 18h30
22nd June - 15th September - 10h30 - 12h30/14h30 - 18h30
16th September - 29th September - 14h30 - 18h30
October Saturday and Sunday - 14h30 - 18h30
November and December, 15h - 18h

Chateau du Plessis-Josso

This manoir was built by a squire to the Dike Jean III in 1330, was fortified and extended in the 15thC, 16thC and 17thC.  The simple design of the chateau makes it a good example of typical Breton architecture.  It gives us a real idea of the life of an important citizen of the Vannes area during the times of Breton Dukes.

Opening Times

Guided Visits every day from 1st July - 5th September from 14h - 19h
From 1st May - 1st November group bookings on demand.

Chateau de Suscinio

The woods surrounding the chateau are abundant in wild life covering the Peninsula de Rhuys, the chateau was a ducal residence from the 13thC to the 15thC.  Ruined by vandalism during the Revolution, Suscinio was acquired and restored by the Departement du Morbihan which created a Museum of History.  There are festivals throughout the summer.

Opening Times

April and May - 10h - 12h/14h - 19h
1st June - 30th September - 10h - 19h
1st October - middle December and middle January - 31st March - Thursday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays - 10h - 12h/14h - 17h, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 14h - 17h

Forteresse de Largoet

Suddenly in the middle of the forest, along a river you come across a medieval fortress with its monumental ruins ad its imposing 14th C octagonal keep, the highest existing in France, a round 15thC tower harmoniously restored and a draw-bridge, the chateau belonged to many families linked to the history of Brittany: Malestroit, Rieux, Le Comte de Richemont was a prisoner here in 1474 before becoming King of England.

Opening Times

March and October - Saturday and Sunday, Bank Holidays, School Holidays - 14h - 18h30
April and May - Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays, School Holidays - 10h30 - 18h30
1st June - 30th September - every day 10h30 - 18h30

Chateau de Comper en Broceliande

The château belonged to many grand families of Brittany and of France, among which were De Gael, de Laval-Montfort, de Coligny, de Charette.  But the site with its deep woods and its large lakes, it's celebrity is due to the legend of La Fee Viviane, La Dame du Lac.  Le Centre de Imaginaire Arthurien present annual exhibitions and audio-visuals in the chateau and animations in the park. Le Centre Arthurien also organises guided visits in the forest.

 Opening Times

1st April - 1st October - 10h - 19h
April, May and September closed Tuesday and Friday
June, July and August - closed Tuesday

Chateau du Crevy

The chateau whose history goes back to the 3rdC, keeps beautiful memories of the military architecture of the 14thC.  Today, it contains twelve decorated pieces, an important collection of civil costumes from 1730 - 1975.  Temporary exhibitions.

Opening Times

July and August - every day 10h - 18h
1st April - 11th November - groups by arrangement

Chateau de Josselin

With its three majestic towers dominating La Vallee de L'Oust, and its splendid flamboyant gothic facade, Josselin, home to the courageous captains Beamanoir and Clisson and their property des Rohans, offers a remarkable testimony of feudal architecture and of the Renaissance.

Opening Times

April, May and October - Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays and School Holidays - 14h - 18h
June and September every day - 14h - 18h
July and August - every day 10h - 18h

Musee de Poupees Collection Rohan

In a private museum within the chateau de Josselin, you can see the famous collection of the Rohan Dolls.  An exceptional display of almost 600 dolls and figurines as well as many games and toys.  Temporary exhibitions.  Pleasant view of the Renaissance Facade of the chateau.

Opening Times

April, May, October, - Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays, School Holidays - 14h - 18h
June and September - every day  14h - 18h
July and August every day - 10h - 18h

Chateau- Domaine de la Roche Jagu

The Chateau looks out over the valley, its gardens gently sloping down to the river. It is the last remaining evidence of the fortifications built from  the 11th century.  Classed as a historic monument in 1930, the chateau of La Roche Jagu has since 1958 belonged to the Cotes d'Armor Council.

Gardens of yesterday and today will tempt and delight all your senses! Water is an omnipresent element of the chateau. There are numerous palm trees and exotic species.

The Domaine de le Roche Jagu is a site of exceptional landscape design.

Useful Information

Domaine Departemental de la Roche Jagu

22260 Ploezal-Cotes d'Armor

Tel: 02-96-95-62-35

Chateaudelarochejagu@cg22.fr

www.cotesdarmor.fr

Grounds open all year (entrance to park free)

Programme of cultural events and chateau opening times available from January 2004 at www.cotesdarmor.fr