Josselin Castle, Medieval castle and toy museum in Josselin, France.
Josselin Castle is a fortress with a granite Renaissance facade and three round towers overlooking the Oust River and surrounding gardens. The structure combines medieval and Renaissance elements, with its appearance changing dramatically depending on the viewing angle.
The fortress began around 1008 and stayed in the hands of the Rohan family for roughly ten centuries, allowing it to evolve continuously through generations. The nineteenth century brought extensive restoration work that shaped its present appearance.
The castle holds an important collection of dolls and toys spanning multiple eras, showing how childhood and play have changed over time. Walking through these rooms, you can see how children from different generations experienced their daily lives and entertainment.
You can explore the castle by viewing it from outside or visiting the interior rooms and museum, which is accessible most days of the year. The gardens surrounding the fortress can be reached through several paths and invite leisurely walks.
The castle gardens display over 40 rose varieties and contain an English-style park section designed by landscape architect Achille Duchene. This garden design creates a striking contrast between the fortress walls and open natural spaces.
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