Château de l'Hermine, Medieval castle ruins in Vannes, France
Château de l'Hermine is a medieval castle ruin in Vannes with stone walls and towers positioned along the city ramparts. The site features a French garden where the Marle River runs nearby, creating a green space within the urban setting.
Duke Jean IV of Brittany commissioned this fortified residence in the late 14th century as the primary ducal home. The building stood for centuries as a symbol of ducal power and authority in the region.
The castle's name comes from the ermine, a heraldic symbol of Brittany that reflects the region's noble past. Visitors can sense this connection to regional identity through the architectural details that remain visible today.
The site is open to the public and functions as an exhibition space hosting temporary art displays and cultural events. Visitors should check in advance what events are scheduled, as programming varies throughout the year.
In 1784, a pastry chef purchased the castle and transformed it into Hotel Lagorce, converting the medieval fortress into a restaurant and hotel. This unusual repurposing shows how the location changed its function across different eras.
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