Château des ducs de Bretagne, Medieval castle and history museum in Nantes, France
Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a fortified residence from the Middle Ages that stands at the heart of Nantes with thick stone walls and defensive towers. Inside, a museum displays objects from different periods to help visitors understand how the city and region developed over time.
Construction of this fortress began in the early 13th century as a stronghold for Breton dukes, and major rebuilding in the 15th century under François II gave it the form we see today. Those medieval transformations created the structure that has survived to the present day.
This fortress served as the seat of Breton dukes for generations, and that sense of power and authority still lingers in its rooms and courtyards. Visitors can feel how important decisions were made within these walls and how the castle shaped the city's identity.
The grounds are easy to navigate with clear paths through the courtyards and into the museum galleries inside the castle. Plan to spend a few hours exploring both the exterior structures and the exhibition spaces to get a full sense of the site.
The castle's residential wing still contains original fireplaces made of brick and slate that date back to the Renaissance period. These handcrafted details offer a rare glimpse into how the ruling family actually lived day-to-day.
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