Bordered by Finistère to the west, Morbihan to the south and Ille-et-Vilaine to the east, the Côtes-d’Armor is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Brittany region of France. it consists of 4 districts, 52 cantons and 373 communes covering nearly 6877.55 km2, they reveal all the beauty of the harmony between Man and nature. Its décor combining elegance and naturalness is a real feast for the eyes. The city is endowed with special castles that contribute to its splendour. In this article, we present 5 castles to visit in the Côtes-d’Armor.
The Castle of Tonquédec
Overlooking the valley of the Léguer, with its rocky cornice, its eleven towers and its enclosed enclosure, the Château Fort de Tonquédec is part of the vestiges of feudal Brittany in France. It was built at the beginning of the 12th century by the Coetmen-Penthièvre family, a great line of Duke of Brittany. The castle was dismantled for the first time in 1395 by Duke John IV due to a family dispute. Then, in 1406, it was rebuilt by Roland IV of Coëtmen with the participation of the Duke of Burgundy John the Fearless. In 1577, the castle was used as an artillery stronghold during the Wars of Religion. It underwent many dismantling and was sold several times over the years. It was in 1880 that the castle returned and remained with its rightful owners, the Rougé family, a direct descendant of the Coetmen lords. Located about ten kilometres south of Lannion, it gives a breathtaking view of the castles of La Hunaudaye and the fort of La Latte.
To get there, you have to go through the farmyard by taking a carriage gate and a pedestrian gate, each equipped with a drawbridge. The terms and conditions of access to the castle are as follows:
- Free for children from 0 to 4 years old and for people with reduced mobility;
- €3 for children from 4 to 12 years old;
- 6 € from twelve years old. This is only a modest contribution to its maintenance. Dogs are allowed and visits are free or guided.
The Castle of Quintin
It is the cradle of the Quintin seigneury, one of the nine baronies of Brittany erected into a duchy in 1691. Its construction dates back to the seventeenth century, but remains unfinished. It suffered a lot of damage during the wars of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, only a few parts of the castle escaped destruction. It was in 1951 that it was listed as a historical monument. Château Quintin is made up of two compartments. One from the seventeenth century is being renovated and the end of the work is likely to last until 2025 and the other dating from the eighteenth century is open to the public. The castle is of great interest thanks to its majestic gardens. You will be able to enjoy guided tours, exhibitions (old ballroom booklet, fans, porcelain, table services, etc.), murder parties, candlelight evenings (every Saturday evening in July and August) and art exhibitions.
In winter, it is open every Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and by reservation on weekdays. From July 1 to August 31, every day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day. From Easter to All Saints’ Day, every day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The following access procedures:
- €7 for adults;
- €3 for children (8 to 14 years old);
- €6 for students and people with reduced mobility;
- 6 € for groups of 15 people or more.
The castle of Hunaudaye
First built in the thirteenth century, the Château de Hunaudaye is a marvel of medieval architecture built by Olivier Tournemine. Located in a marshy valley, the fortress was built to protect the town of Lamballe. The castle has been rebuilt twice over the centuries in an effort to repair the damage caused by wars. It became a historical monument in 1922. After the fall of the northern part of the castle, it was renovated in 2005 and 2008 before being bought by the Côtes-d’Armor department. By visiting the ruins today, you will have the chance to discover ancient structures (the drawbridge, the cellars, the seigniorial hall, etc.) and the activities offered there (animation, conference, children’s workshop, exhibition) will allow you to flourish as a family.
The castle is open this year from April 1 to September 22, 2024 and from October 19 to November 3, 2024 at more advantageous rates, namely
- Free for 6 year olds,
- €4 for children under 17 and reduced rates for students and people with disabilities
- €6 for adults.
The Castle of Bienassis
An architectural marvel with majestic gardens, the Château de Bienassis has a history full of twists and turns. He has held several positions over the centuries. Used as a fort by the lord of Brittany, Jean I de Quélennec. It was confiscated during the revolution to be used as a prison before being bought by General Valletaux. After the General’s death, the castle fell into oblivion before being bought by the Admiral of Kerjégu who restored the building to its splendour in due course. The castle was classified as a historical monument in 2013. It is accessible from June to September every day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the following modalities:
- €4 for children;
- €6 reduced rate
- €8 for adults. Pets are allowed.
The Fort de La Latte
It is a magnificent castle that has the particularity of standing on a rocky cape. It is also known as the Château de la Roche Gongon. It was built in the 14th century by Lord Matignon Étienne III Gouyoten. It suffered numerous attacks that led to its abandonment in the 16th century. The castle regained its nobility in the 18th century under Louis XIV. With its strong history, the Fort de la Latte was classified as a historical monument on 28 February 1934. The fort opens in April, May, June and September from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in July and August from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; in October from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Prices are €7.80 for adults, €5.50 for children under 12 and free for children under 5.
If you plan to visit one of the 5 castles presented above, you can stay in a guest house for a long stay or in a cottage for a shorter stay. Charme Bretagne offers you 5 of its accommodations near castles in the Côtes d’Armor Le manoir de la villleneuve, le Poisson et la Rose, le Moulin de la Beltaine, les gîtes de keregal and le gîte de la Channais.
