Château de Pierre II, Medieval castle ruins in Guingamp, France.
Château de Pierre II is a fortified structure with a square layout positioned on a rocky hilltop overlooking Trieux Valley. The original design included four corner towers built from thick granite, of which three remain today with multiple floors and cannon ports visible in their walls.
The fortress was built in 1446 under Duke Pierre II of Brittany, replacing an earlier military structure that had stood on the site since 1034. King Louis XIII ordered its destruction in 1626, ending its role as a defensive stronghold.
The northeastern tower served the Sisters of Wisdom as a children's home and later as a kindergarten during the 1800s, showing how the fortress transformed into a space for community care. This shift reflects how local people adapted historic structures to meet changing needs over time.
The remaining towers are open to visitors and feature internal staircases connecting multiple levels where cannon ports are clearly visible in the granite walls. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to the elevated location, and it is wise to check current access conditions before visiting.
The fortress featured thirteen firing positions distributed across two levels, specifically engineered for both heavy and light artillery of the 15th century. This defensive design reveals the technological demands of early gunpowder weaponry during that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
