Château de Blain, Medieval castle in Blain, France.
Château de Blain is a medieval fortress near the Nantes-Brest canal with twelve defensive towers and thick surrounding walls. The entire complex spans several hectares and displays the full range of medieval military architecture from its period.
The castle was built in 1108 under Alan IV of Brittany as part of a larger defensive network across the region. It served to control and secure Brittany's borders during a period of territorial disputes.
The castle houses a fresco center and an old printshop where traditional artistic techniques remain active within its medieval walls. You can watch craftspeople at work in these studios as you move through the rooms.
Visitors should book in advance, especially for groups, since guided tours organize access through the main towers and structures. The grounds are quite large, so allow enough time to explore the different sections properly.
Marie Bonaparte acquired the property in 1918 and renovated the north wing and Mill Tower, modernizing sections of the medieval fortress. These early 20th century works added a new chapter to the castle's story after centuries of medieval use.
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