Page 200 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Brittany

198  BRIT T AN Y REGION B Y REGION

Château de Josselin
Perched on rocks opposite the Oust river, the Château
de Josselin, once the stronghold of the Rohan dynasty,
is an impressive sight. It is defended by four towers built
by Olivier de Clisson in the 14th century. The castle’s
military severity is softened by the more delicate inner
façade, dating from the early 16th century and
looking onto gardens. A fine Flamboyant Gothic
building, the castle has delicately carved Detail of the chimney piece, with the
granite galleries, pinnacles, balustrades and Rohans’ motto, “A Plus”
chimney pieces, and is decorated with a
range of motifs, including fleurs-de-lis,
stoats and lozenges.

. Library
Containing 3,000 volumes, the library
was remodelled in the Neo-Gothic
style in the 19th century.

. Interior
North Façade
This side of
the castle
has dormer
windows
with
ornamental
pediments.
Each window is
different, and together
they embody the
decorative repertoire
of the time.

Olivier de Clisson
One of the most illustrious owners of the Château
de Josselin was Olivier de Clisson (1336–1407).
He married Marguerite de Rohan and in 1370
acquired the castle. De Clisson harboured a
long hatred of the king of France, who had KEY
ordered his father’s execution because of his
support of the English. During the War of 1 Prison tower
Equestrian statue the Breton Succession, de Clisson sided with 2 Ten dormer windows rising
of Olivier de Clisson the English. However, he later transferred through two storeys cover almost
his allegiance to the French, befriending half the façade.
Bertrand du Guesclin and succeeding him 3 The main courtyard is an ideal
as constable of France. De Clisson finally gave his daughter in place from which to take in this fine
marriage to the son of Charles of Blois, his erstwhile enemy. Gothic building.

For hotels and restaurants see pp228–9 and pp241–3

198-199_EW_Brittany.indd 198 11/3/16 1:03 PM