Josselin and the Brocéliande Forest
In north Morbihan at the heart of Brittany is a land where history, heritage, nature and legends intermingle with a myriad of features like the Nantes-Brest Canal. Welcome to Josselin and the Forêt de Brocéliande !
Josselin and its impressive castle
Josselin is a pretty little character town, emblematic of the area and an important stopover on the Route des Ducs Tourist Route. The history of the town is inextricably linked with that of its castle whose imposing towers are reflected in the waters of the River Oust. Founded in the early 11th century, the Flamboyant-Gothic castle is an extremely interesting example of feudal and Renaissance styles of architecture. It still belongs to the Rohan family, one of the oldest families in Brittany, who founded it and still live there. Take time to stroll around the castle gardens, designed by Achille Duchesne, a landscape gardener who also worked at Vaux-le-Vicomte. Josselin is a great place for a family day out. The medieval Sainte-Croix district has delightful narrow streets of fine half-timbered houses and a pretty chapel. The neighbourhood, which is on the other side of the river, is as old as the castle itself and was restored in 2006. The famous Basilica of Notre Dame du Roncier has fine stained-glass and recumbent statues which are well worth seeing. The Bois d’Amour, a leafy park in the town centre, is a super place for picnic. And a visit to the Musée des Poupées (doll museum) is an amazing experience. Carry on along the Canal – River Oust to another thousand year old character village, Malestroit. It is worth noting that the Nantes-Brest Canal can be explored on foot, by bike (Eurovéloroute 1 and Voie Verte 3), by canoe and by boat ! The nearby character village of Lizio is also well worth seeing while a little to the north, the huge Forêt de Lanouée is a great place to pick mushrooms and chestnuts in autumn while listening out for the roar of rutting stags at nightfall.
Ploërmel on the edge of Brocéliande
Next, let’s move across to the area around Ploërmel on the edge of Brocéliande Forest. The Lac du Duc in the foothills of Ploërmel has a watersports centre and hydrangea discovery walk for a relaxing family day out. Stop off for unusual gourmet visits to buy cheese and fruit jellies made by the monks of the Abbaye Notre Dame de Timadeuc at Bréhan and biscuits and chocolates made by nuns of the Abbaye Notre Dame de la Joie at Campénéac. Just after Campénéac, Tréhorenteuc brings us to the Pays de Brocéliande. So what makes Brocéliande unique? It is without doubt the fusion between its natural beauty, magical Arthurian legends and trees, essential symbol of Celtic culture. Different forest trails lead to the many attractions which epitomize this alliance.
Attractions include the Eglise du Graal (church), Val sans retour (Vale of no return), Tombeau de Merlin (Merlin’s tomb), Fontaine de Barenton, Chêne à Guillotin (ancient oak tree) and many more curiosities in this mysterious land of Merlin, Viviane, Morgane and Arthur. In the middle of the forest is the red-walled Château de Comper at Concoret, a centre of Arthurian legend which perpetuates the magic of the Celtic world in its grounds with a lake. Medieval history is intermingled with the legends of the Round Table. Every year a grand exhibition breaks down the frontier with the Other World. There are film shows suitable for children and adults and a regular programme of shows, activities and other events.
As you can see, this north-western corner of Morbihan is a super place for a holiday. Armelle who works at Gîtes de France Côtes d’Armor and comes from this area confirms it. « I worked for 5 summers as a receptionist and guide at the Château de Josselin, it was fascinating. I discovered and rediscovered the history of the castle, of my home town, of Brittany and of France. It was wonderful to share it all with visitors from France and elsewhere. My visits often ran over time ! This experience surely influenced my current job : promoting quality hospitality and properties ! ».
How to get to Josselin and Brocéliande ?
Unless you are a cycle tourist or come by boat along the Nantes-Brest Canal, coming by car from Guerlédan or Pontivy, take the RN24 from Rennes and then exit at Paimpont, Ploërmel and Josselin. We can’t wait to see you !!"
