The Amazing Castles in Brittany

Written on : 16 March 2021
By : Laura Wendy Harders López

Brittany is a beautiful region in France steeped in history, boasting an array of imposing, medieval castles with exquisite architecture awaiting you to discover.

Read on and find out some of the most beautiful castles in Brittany.

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Château de Suscinio

Located on the western side of the Sarzeau village, a few metres from the coast sits the magnificent Suscinio Castle, popularly known as the "Château de Suscinio". It originated as an unfortified mansion estate constructed in 1218 by Peter I, Duke of Brittany. A few years later, his son John I started fortifying the estate and transforming it into a castle.

At the end of the 14th-century, a former Breton knight who later became Constable of France called Bertrand du Guesclin gained control of the castle.

From 1471 to 1483, during the Wars of the Roses, the castle housed Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor (who later became King Henry VII of England) and the core of the Lancastrian exiles. After the Lancaster expatriates left the castle, Suscinio was then slowly abandoned. In 1852, Vicomte Francheville purchased the ruined castle and started its restoration.

This impressive castle is well worth a visit while you're in Brittany; you'll be amazed by its sheer size framed by great fortifications and cylindrical towers, not to mention the interior design and furnishing, boasting unique art pieces on display.

Château de la Roche-Jagu

Situated in the heart of the town of Trégor, one can admire the Château de La Roche-Jagu offering two impressive facades in unique styles. What's also fascinating about this castle are its magnificent views of the surrounding valleys one can enjoy from its towers. This scene has served as an excellent belvedere for one to contemplate magical sunsets over the horizon. Built-in the 15th-century by Catherine de Tronquindy on the site of an ancient dilapidated 11th-century castle, Château de la Roche-Jagu boasts an extensively Gallic-styled garden, perfect for strolling around and losing yourself in it. A few kilometres from this castle is the picturesque village of Pontrieux, one of the 22 Small Villages of Character in Brittany.

Château de Fougères

Located on a rugged plateau surrounded by marshes, Château de Fougères is one of the largest and most imposing fortresses in Europe. This marvellous castle also holds many tours for visitors to learn about its rich and turbulent past and discover the castle's role in defending the Duchy of Brittany and its origins. Built over a plateau protected nature site and surrounded by a meandering river, this castle will instantly capture your imagination and offer you some of the best photograph-worthy landscapes to admire.

Chateau de Vitre

Chateau de Vitre is a marvellous ancient castle situated in the town of Vitré, which underwent numerous reconstructions and renovations since its conception in the year 1000. One can admire the array of architectural styles imbued in its many details. Landscaped into the contours of a rocky promontory and surrounded by canals, this magnificent castle is worth an entire day of exploring. What's more, this castle also houses its museum, where one can peruse a 15th-century triptych depicting 32 scenes from Christ's life, carved wooden doors displaying representations of "Adam and Eve", and many goldsmith's religious pieces of work from the 17th to the 19th century. Above all, what one can learn the most from this museum is about Vitrés history.

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Chateau de Josselin

The Château de Josselin is a 15th-century castle built on the remnants of an earlier medieval fortress. This Renaissance castle boasts many Louis XII elements and is listed as a Historical Monument of Importance. Residence of the Dukes of Rohan since its construction, it has now become open to visitors, allowing them to contemplate the many spaces and its unique art collection. This magnificent castle not only is surrounded by idyllic English and Gallic gardens but also a beautiful rose garden displaying a total of 160 roses from 40 different varieties. It's a perfect location for enjoying a family picnic and admire the surroundings.

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