A land of tumultuous history,
Brittany has endured the shock of frequent
wars. No wonder there are so many castles, citadels and
fortresses. Here are some of them that you may want to visit.
Fort La Latte : Remember Kirk Douglas commanding thousands of
Viking wariors to a reckless assault over a well-defended fortress sometime
around the 11th century? "Viking" was one of the most dramatic hollywood
concoctions of the 50's. Stangely enough, the castle wasn't studio
cardboard but a real granite stone fortress located in Northern Brittany.
One of the oldest castles in the region, this 14th century masterpiece was
later converted into a strong coastal defense fortress in order to protect
the Fresnaye Bay mooring (east of the Frehel Cape). The Fort La Latte is
opened for visit from late spring to early fall. There are beautiful hiking
trails along
the cliffs. Tel : (33) 02 96 41 40 31.
Château de Hac : a 15th century renaissance castle south
of Dinan. The chateau houses some interesting furnitures and tapestries.
Tel : (33) 02 96 83 43 06. Fax : (33) 02 96 83 49 54.
Château de Josselin : vintage feudal style and flamboyant
Gothic architecture, the place houses mainly 17th & 18th century furniture
and paintings. Tel : (33) 02 97 22 36 45. Fax : (33) 02 97 75 68 16.
Chateau de la Bourbansais : on the road from Saint-Malo to
Rennes. Built four centuries ago, this castle now houses a private zoo. Tel
: (33) 02 99 69 40 07.
Château de Trevarez : among the "youngest" castles of
Brittany. Nice flower garden . Closed during the winter.
Tel : (33) 02 99 40 48 72. Fax : (33) 02 99 40 41 83.
Manoir de Kerazan : located in Loctudy, this 16th century castle
houses one of the most interesting sets of Quimper pottery. Open April
through September. Tel : (33) 02 98 87 40 40. Fax : (33) 02 98 87 43 83.
Château de Pontivy : this fortress from the late middle
ages houses
various art exhibitions.
Tel : (33) 02 97 25 12 93. Fax : (33) 02 97 27 87 09.
Citadelle de Belle-Ile : designed by military architect Vauban
in order protect Le Palais harbour, this fortress now houses a history
museum . Tel : (33) 02 97 31 84 17 . Fax : (33) 02 97 31 45 83.
Other castles : among the many other interesting castles of
Brittany, one can mention the fortified towns of Saint-Malo, Fougerès and
Dinan, the citadel of Saint-Louis, the manor of La Roche Jagu, the
(Chateaubriant's) castle of Combourg...
