Château de la Bretesche, Medieval castle in Missillac, France.
Château de la Bretesche is a fortified structure with crenellated walls perched on an elevated terrace, surrounded by water-filled moats on three sides and bordered by a large pond on the fourth. The layout reflects medieval defensive design with its strategic water barriers.
The fortress was built between 1430 and 1470 by a local baron who established it as a stronghold for his landholdings. It suffered destruction during the French Revolution in 1793 when republican forces attacked and burned it.
The site served as a gathering place for regional nobility in the 1500s who came together to discuss religious matters and new ideas. These meetings had lasting effects on the faith of Breton noble families in the surrounding area.
The courtyard opens to visitors during summer months only, while indoor spaces stay closed year-round. Planning a visit outside the peak season means you will not be able to enter the property at all.
The name comes from 'Bertesca', an architectural term for an external structure that projects over the main entrance to provide defensive coverage. This design feature was a key defensive element in medieval fortification.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
