The route of the castles
Budding castellan or great historian, you dream of attacking the castles of Britain ? That's good ! We have concocted an itinerary with small onions for you. On the program: 1 road, 3h30 journey, 10 castles and just as many opportunities to put on your costume as a valiant knight or to put yourself in the shoes of a crowned land! Ride your steed and set off on the road to the castles made in Dinan-Cap Fréhel. Well conquer!
1. Fort La Latte, perched on its cliff
Our itinerary on the route of the castles in Brittany starts strong with this pink sandstone giant resting on a rocky cape and overlooking the sea. Inhale, exhale... The view is breathtaking! Listed as a Historic Monument since 1925, the Fort La Latte will have hosted the filming of the film “The Vikings” in 1957 with Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas. By visiting this XNUMXth century building, you are also walking in the footsteps of Sophie Marceau and Lambert Wilson. Remember the final scene of the movie “Chouans”! At the top of the keep, the view is breathtaking over Cap Fréhel, the lighthouse and the coast of Brittany.
Did you know?If we know it better under the name of Fort La Latte, this mythical building also responds to the name of Castle of Roche Goyon.
2. Bienassis, to taste castle life
(I.e. From Fort La Latte : 20,3 km / 24 minutes
Stop at Erquy, in the Côtes-d'Armor, to open the doors of the Bienassis Castle. And for this visit, we hope you are… well seated (we saw you smiling!). Forest park, French-style garden, vegetable patch, crenellated enclosure wall and moat… This XNUMXth century fortress has many assets! Listen to its history, contemplate its rooms and meet its owners: this Breton castle invites you on a journey through time!
Did you know?This castle in Brittany is still inhabited today! And for more than a century, the same family has occupied the walls of the Château de Bienassis.
3. The Hunaudaye, its moats and its drawbridge
(I.e. From the castle of Bienassis : 24,2 km / 26 minutes
With its water moat and its drawbridge, it is certainly one of the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in Brittany, the fortified castle as we imagine it in fairy tales! A little history ? At Hunaudaye castle, you are facing a building dating from the XNUMXth century, destroyed during the French Revolution. Nature takes back its rights over these ruins before heritage enthusiasts bring the castle back to life. Walk the old walkways, climb to the top of the towers and contemplate the temporary exhibitions... Have you got a taste? Continue your conquest on the road to the castles in Brittany!
Did you know?In July and August, opt for a guided tour equipped with your touch tablet with enriched content! Post yourself at the 6 reconstituted points of the castle, take aim and take a leap in time. The XNUMXth century opens up to you while the XNUMXth century fills you with wonder.
4. The Château du Guildo, with a sea view please
(I.e. From the castle of La Hunaudaye : 20,6 km / 25 minutes
From bewitching old stones to a captivating panorama, the guildo castle is one of those treasures found at the bend of a hiking trail. Built on a rocky outcrop at the water's edge, it is listed as a Historic Monument. Today, only the ruins of the building remain in the heart of unspoiled nature. The perfect stopover for an open-air history lesson in the Côtes-d'Armor!
Did you know?The building is located in a Natura 2000 area, where endemic plants, migratory birds and even a colony of seals coexist!
5. Dinan, to become Duke of Brittany
(I.e. From the castle of Guildo : 21,7 km / 27 minutes
Who says holidays around Dinan, says visit of the castle! Dominating the medieval city, it is the emblematic building of the city and is a must on the route of the castles of Brittany. While the tower of Coëtquen evokes the art of war in the Middle Ages, the Tower-Palace offers a glimpse of the daily life of a castellan. A proud witness of medieval times in France!
Did you know?Le dinan castle will have taken on the air of a museum by hosting heterogeneous collections throughout the XNUMXth century!
6. Léhon, ruins of a feudal building
(I.e. From Dinan Castle : 1,4 km / 4 minutes
Hear hear! Barely a kilometer further on, the remains of the castle of lehon invite you on a new journey through the ages, from the XNUMXth century to today. Stroll between the ruins of this Breton castle built on a rocky massif. Take out your camera to capture your ride. The most beautiful shot? Certainly the view of the Rance and the surrounding countryside.
Did you know?A siege opposing the two sons of Geoffroy I is often mentioned as being the first trace of the existence of the castle in the history of France. However, according to various historians, there is no evidence to confirm that this event took place.
7. Couellan, between rhododendrons and azaleas
(I.e. From the Château de Léhon : 24,4 km / 25 minutes
Built between the 5th and XNUMXth centuries, the Couellan castle is a fortress nestled in a XNUMX-hectare park on the edge of the Rance valley. A true green setting with its gardens, where it is pleasant to stroll with family or two. A visit not to be missed if you are on vacation in the Côtes d’Armor!
Did you know?There is even a 500-year-old oak tree within the estate, witness to the history of this château in Brittany!
8.Combourg, in the footsteps of Chateaubriand
(I.e. From Couellan Castle : 36 km / 37 minutes
A true symbol of romanticism, the medieval castle of Combourg will have seen François-René Chateaubriand, its illustrious ambassador, grow up. A cradle for a great man and a treasure for Breton heritage! The commented and guided tour allows you to unlock all the secrets of the castle's history, and to stroll through the heart of the 25-hectare English-style park, just that!
Did you know?The descendants of the author still live today within the walls of the castle!
9. The Portal Rock, the New School of Wizards
(I.e. From Combourg Castle : 36,9 km / 38 minutes
In the afternoon or evening, the colorful teachers of this school of witchcraft promise you an extraordinary adventure in an enchanting setting. Between banquet, magic demonstration, spell lessons or broom flying... the New School of Wizards has a host of surprises in store for you throughout the. castle and its domain. ! THE Chateau Le Rocher Portal offers a setting worthy of a real cinema set! The castle is open several times a year for magical events!
Did you know?By pushing the doors of the fortress, 400 years of history await you, from royal tapestries to the cabinet of curiosities.
10. The Domaine de Montmarin and its gardens
(I.e. From Portal Rock : 73,2 km / 1 hour
And because as good Bretons we like round numbers (and hats), here is a 10th stop on the road to the castles of Brittany: the Domain of Montmarin.
A stroll through the centuries, anyone? Meet in the alleys of the 6 hectares of gardens of the estate. A green setting and a true haven of peace where it is good to stroll!
Did you know?Shipyard in the XNUMXth century, it is here that some Bougainville boats were built, among others.
Bonus: the Malouinière of the Ring City
(I.e. From the Domaine de Montmarin : 19 km / 20 minutes
Do you know the Malouinière City Ring ? There are no less than 112 malouinières in Ille-et-Vilaine. This type of manor is a unique heritage in the region! Among these authentic houses that are an integral part of the history of Saint-Malo, the Ville Bague is an essential visit to understand the daily life of the Saint-Malo corsairs and shipowners of the XNUMXth century. Have you taken a walk in the park and its French garden?
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