Château des ducs de Bretagne
Château des ducs de Bretagne, Medieval castle and history museum in Nantes, France
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Nantes History Museum
58 m
Rue Prémion
107 m
Jardin des Douves du château
10 m
Grand Logis
70 m
Tour des Espagnols
72 m
Le Petit Gouvernement
32 m
Conciergerie
37 m
Tour du Fer à Cheval
81 m
Tour du Pied de Biche
71 m
Bastion Saint-Pierre
67 m
Le Harnachement
31 m
Tour du Port
82 m
Patio del Castillo de los Duques de Bretaña
11 m
Statue d'Anne de Bretagne
107 m
Tour de la Boulangerie
73 m
Tour des Jacobins
80 m
Commémoration de l'union de la Bretagne et de la France
41 m
Tour du Vieux Donjon
48 m
Grand Gouvernement
63 m
Tour de la Rivière
45 mTour au duc
88 mPlaque à Marc Elder
32 mCaponnière
102 m
NA_03
102 mCession du château à la ville de Nantes
68 mPlaque à Andrieux
68 mSignature de l'Édit de Nantes
38 mPlaque à Anne de Bretagne
57 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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Walk through the old town and notice the narrow streets and small shops. People go about their day at a steady pace. The buildings are made of stone and have simple facades. When you walk here, you feel a sense of history in the air. The town feels calm and welcoming, with a slow rhythm that encourages you to take your time.
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