Josselin, Medieval town in Morbihan, France
Josselin is a town on the Oust River in central Brittany, defined by a granite castle and a historic center of timber-framed houses. The Nantes-Brest Canal winds through the landscape and connects the town to a network of waterways.
The town's origins date to 1008, when a wooden fortress was first built here, though it was later destroyed by English forces. Over the centuries, the castle was rebuilt and became a symbol of local power and influence.
The Notre-Dame-du-Roncier Basilica remains a pilgrimage destination and shapes the spiritual life of the town to this day. Visitors can see the tombs of local nobility and feel how this place has held meaning for people across generations.
The town is best explored on foot or by bicycle, especially if you want to use the paths along the canal. The flat terrain makes it accessible to visitors of different fitness levels.
Between 1728 and 1953, the so-called 'aboyeuses' were known, women in trance states who made dog-like sounds while pilgrim crowds passed through. This unusual phenomenon reflected the religious fervor and spiritual intensity of the era.
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