Brittany has 4000 chateaux, manors and stately homes built in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance or subsequent centuries. For a long time ravaged by feudal struggles during the Middle Ages, Brittany was the site of many bloody battles to repulse French or English invaders. Over the centuries, a defensive ring of castles was constructed. These fortresses, always built in granite, are the witnesses to an era, and are distinguished by their architectural diversity.

The Brittany Marches

From the Middles Ages, a dense network of castles was built up along the border between the Duchy of Brittany and the Kingdom of France. The fortresses, called the Brittany Marches, constituted a powerful line of defence against the many external threats. Villages were founded and flourished in the shelter of these fortresses. Following the historical route of the Brittany marches allows exploring the military fortresses of Fougères, Vitré, Chateaubriant, Ancenis, Nantes and Clisson.

Coastal fortifications

Along the entire coastline, old maritime fortresses are witness to the eventful centuries when Brittany was forced to protect itself from attack by the English Navy. Most constitute part of the Breton coastal defences established by Vauban under the reign of Louis XIV.

From the Fort Nationale at Saint-Malo to the Château du Taureau at Morlaix, via Fort la Latte at Fréhel, the fortifications are arranged along the coast, covering every strategic point. On the southern coast the citadel of Port Louis protects the entrance to the Lorient roadways, and the Vauban citadel at Belle-Île controls entry to the port of Palais. The latter has all the traditional features of coastal fortifications with its bastions and demilunes.

Literary Chateaux

Many Breton chateaux are proud to have been owned or occupied by famous writers. The French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, for example, spent some of his childhood at the Chateau of Combourg, bought by his father in 1761. This Chateau, now known as "the Cradle of Romanticism", is still owned by the family. The Chateau of Rochers-Sévigné at Vitré is the place where the Marquise de Sévigné retired following the death of her husband. From there she wrote 267 letters to her daughter, Mme de Grigan, which can be read as the Lettres de Madame de Sévigné

The Route of the Dukes of Brittany

From the Middle Ages, Brittany retains several Chateaux built during the age of the Duchy, today linked by the Dukes of Brittany route. It crosses Morbihan and allows exploring the chateaux of Rochefort-en-terre, La Roche-Bernard, Suscinio, Vannes, Pontivy, Josselin, Comper and Crévy.

Quote this article on your site