EXPLORE FRANCE THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY 
| Château des ducs de Bretagne | ||||||||||
| Address: | ||||||||||
| Known as: | Castle of the Dukes of Brittany | |||||||||
| Description: |
Constructed in the 15th century by François II, the castle
replaced a 13th century fortress built upon the ancient
Gallo-Roman walled city of the Namnètes. Its formidable presence served as a bastion of defense, safeguarding the Duchy of Brittany against incursions from the king of France. Within its stout ramparts lay the ducal palace, serving as the residence of successive Dukes of Brittany until 1532. Duchess Ann of Brittany, François’ daughter, left an indelible mark on the castle, enhancing its grandeur during her reign as both Queen of France, through marriages to Charles VIII and Louis XII, and as the sovereign ruler of Brittany, maintaining its independence throughout her lifetime. Upon the duchy’s integration into the Crown of France in 1532, the castle assumed new roles as the official Breton residence of the French monarchs until the 17th century, prompting the construction of additional structures within its precincts. During the 18th century, the castle underwent significant alterations to accommodate various functions, including barracks, a prison, and a military arsenal. Unfortunately, a series of disasters, including fires and explosions, inflicted damage upon its edifices. Thankfully, its historical significance was recognized with its classification as a Historical Monument in 1862, preserving it from further decay. Acquired by the city of Nantes in 1915, extensive restoration efforts were undertaken, culminating in the establishment of a history museum within its walls in 1924. However, even amidst preservation efforts, the castle faced adversity during World War II when German forces erected a bunker as part of the Atlantic Wall, leading to further challenges in its upkeep and preservation. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany underwent a magnificent restoration in the late 20th century. The imposing 15th-century ramparts still stand tall, enveloping the ducal palace and its accompanying structures in their protective embrace. A stroll along the 500-meter-long wall reveals its seven towers and scenic moats, offering a glimpse into the castle’s formidable defense system. At the heart of the castle lies Le Grand Logis, once the residence of the Dukes. Initiated by François II and completed by Anne, this elegant example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture adorned with Early Renaissance facades showcases the region’s renowned white limestone. Adorned with the coat of arms of Louis XII (the porcupine) and Anne (the greyhound), it symbolizes the enduring alliance between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Brittany. Adjacent to Le Grand Logis stands La Tour de la Couronne, adorned with exquisite Early Renaissance loggias added by Anne, connecting it to Le Grand Government. Rebuilt in the 17th century following a devastating fire, this structure witnessed the tragic explosion of the arsenal in 1800, which obliterated its adjoining buildings. Le Petit Gouvernement, a testament to French Renaissance architecture, served as a private residence for François I during his stays in Nantes. The Conciergerie and the Bâtiment du Harnachement, both dating from the early 18th century, now house various exhibitions, enriching the castle’s cultural offerings. Today, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is home to the historical museum of the city of Nantes. Its interior, comprising 32 rooms, has been recently modernized and equipped with multimedia devices to enhance the discovery of over 850 artifacts. Source: https://www.travelfranceonline.com/castle-of-the-dukes-of-brittany-nantes/ |
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| Department | Pays de la Loire | Direction: | ||||||||
| District | Loire Atlantique | |||||||||
| City | Nantes | Comments: | Official Web: | Link to Official web site | ||||||
| Genre | Castel | Related links: | https://artsandcultu | |||||||
| Best exposure | AM-PM | |||||||||
| Rating |
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| Opening time | na | |||||||||
| Entry fee | Free | GPS : | 47.21627, -1.54877 | |||||||
| SUB-SITES PICTURES: | |||
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Château des ducs de Bretagne |
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Tours de l'Enceinte Exterieure |
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Vues depuis les Rempart |
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