Port-Louis – Citadel/Fortress
The Port-Louis Citadel/Fortress in Brittany is in a very good state, and is now a museum. Built by the Spaniards and improved by the French (and Germans during WWII), it’s quite a spectacle.
– Castles
The Brittany (Bretagne) coast line, known as the Cotes-d’Armors, is incredible. Made out of granite, it made for natural defence against invaders, which is why you’ll find some incredible castles and fortresses here.
Vannes – The Ramparts
The ramparts (fortified walls) of Vannes are near totally preserved over the centuries. There are not many of these left in France, and they can see seen from different angles. A highly recommended visit.
Brest – Chateau de Brest
The initial construction of the Brest Fortress/Castle started in the 3rd century.It is still one of the biggest fortresses in France, it’s still used by the French Navy and it’s the National Navy Museum… it’s definitely worth a visit.
Camaret-sur-Mer – Introduction
Camaret-sur-Mer in Brittany is a small town, some 2700 inhabitants, with a very scenic harbour, enormous dramatic cliffs and a very big monument. The village/town is old, very old. Traces of habitation can be found as far back as 2500 years BC! In those days, the place was for druides and their magical stone, the …
Dinard – Villa Eugenie
Built: 1866Status: PrivateVisitable?: NoNotable: Web: Although this castle can not be visited on the inside, you can walk in the gardens and look around the castle on the outside. The castle is located close to one of Dinard‘s beaches. The city had ordered the chateau to be built for the Royal couple, Napoleon III and …
Sarzeau – Suscinio Castle
If ever there was a castle/fortress that merits a detour to go and visit, it’s this one, belonging to the Duke of Brittany. Stunning.
Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer – Guildo Fortress
Built: 14th centuryStatus: Public (ruins)Visitable?: YesNotable: Web: Driving around the Brittany coastline you might just see some signs for the Guildo Castle. You’ll need to take a few country roads to get there, but once there you’ll see something pretty amazing. Located some 500 meters from the town and bridge are the ruins of a …
Concarneau – Fortress
Built: 15th centuryStatus: PublicVisitable?: YesNotable: –Web: – In the beach town of Concarneau, alongside the city centre and harbors, you will find this amazing fortress. It was voted as the favorite place in Brittany by the Bretons. On the outskirts of Concarneau are several spas and thalasso hotels, but if you keep driving away from …
Pleumeur-Bodou Castle – Chateau de Kerduel
Built: 12th centuryStatus: PrivateVisitable?: Sometimes, usually only the gardensNotable: –Web: – The castle located close to the city of Lannion in Brittany, the Chateau de Kerduel, is in the Pleumeur-Bodou area. The oldest part of the castle was built in the 12th century. Legend has it that King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table …
Ploubezre Castle – Chateau Kergrist
Built: 1400Status: PrivateVisitable?: Yes, castle and gardensNotable: –Web: Chateau Kergrist Sometimes taking a wrong turn on the country roads brings you deep inland, and to some very surprising scenery. One of them, after having taken a wrong turn in Brittany was this amazing castle; the Chateau Kergrist. Hidden away from big roads, this is a …
Tregastel Castle – Chateau de Costaeres
Built: 1896Status: PrivateVisitable?: YesNotable: Made out of pink granite, located a few meters of the coastline on an islandWeb: – The Cotes-d’Armor coastline around Perros-Guirec is rugged and made out of solid pink granite. This rocky surface made for great building materials for the construction of castles and fortresses. One of these castles can be …
Plevenon Castle – Fort-La-Latte Fortress
Built: 1340Status: MuseumVisitable?: YesNotable: Used in many moviesWeb: Fort La Latte If the Fort-La-Latte castle looks familiar, it is. This fortress has been used in many historical movies (like The Vikings with Kirk Douglas). The Fort was built to protect the Brittany (Bretagne) coastline, including St. Malo and Dinard. The fortress is located on a …