The castle

In Brittany, in the Côtes d’Armor region, between Paimpol and Pontrieux, the Roche-Jagu Departmental Estate is an iconic natural, heritage and cultural site, owned by the Côtes-d’Armor Department since 1958. Nestled in the middle of a natural, wooded area with a rich variety of flora and fauna, the Roche-Jagu Departmental Estate covers an area of 64 hectares and hosts exhibitions, shows, concerts, workshops, conferences and nature outings throughout the year. 

This masterpiece of medieval architecture, listed as a Historic Monument in 1930, is one of the best preserved buildings in Brittany. Overlooking the Trieux, it is the last witness of a defensive system built between Pontrieux and the Bréhat archipelago.

The first castle clod is said to have been founded in the 11th century. The stone castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century for noble Lady Catherine de Troguindy. The medieval fortified house, whose architecture was both residential and defensive, is representative of Breton manor houses.

A tour around the ground floor sheds light on the daily life of a Breton seigniory at the end of the Middle Ages.

The ground floor includes 3 main rooms: the kitchen, the lower hall and the cellar. Access to the upper floors is via spiral staircases.

Every year, the rooms on the upper floors host scientific or artistic exhibitions that explore the relationship between humans and nature.

The highlight of the visit? The château’s framework, entirely pegged and restored with oak wood in the 1960s by the Compagnons du Devoir.