Château de la Roche-Pichemer, Medieval castle in Saint-Ouën-des-Vallons, France

Château de la Roche-Pichemer stands in Saint-Ouën-des-Vallons, 300 m east of the village. Its rectangular main building has a square pavilion at each corner of the facade, with a round-arch doorway, twin windows and a dormer with a curved pediment, all in granite. A later wing was harmonized with the whole from 1840, and a round tower remains at the north-west corner.

Louis du Plessis built the current structure between 1542 and 1570, blending defensive features such as arrow slits and a cylindrical corner tower with residential design. This reflects the shift from medieval fortifications to Renaissance living spaces.

The chapel reflects 19th-century renovation work and tells you about the religious life of the families who called this place home. You can see how faith was woven into daily life within these walls.

The interior is closed to visitors, but you can walk through the landscaped park and gardens during summer months using marked pathways. Best to check opening times before your visit to plan accordingly.

Local legend calls the castle's lady Catherine-sans-pitié, Catherine the Merciless, said to have tied a man and an ox together and left them to starve to see which would survive. She was condemned to nightly rides in a chariot of fire on winter nights. Several Catherines were ladies here, so the legend names no one.