The Château de l’Hermine, a must-see historical landmark in the town of Vannes
The residence of the Dukes of Brittany – well worth a visit during your stay in Southern Brittany
Old fortified castle and integrated into the ramparts of the Morbihan prefecturethe Dukes of Brittany lived in this castle until the middle of the 15th century. François I of France stayed here, particularly in 1532, when the States voted for the union of the duchy.
The fortifications subsequently lost much of their usefulness, Louis XIV In 1670, he decided to sell them off segment by segment to finance his wars. He donated the château de l'Herminethen in ruins, to the city of Vannes in 1697, who used it to improve the port and maintain other buildings in the town.
Protecting Vannes’ heritage
In 1876, the State acquired the building and the 11th Army Corps Artillery School moved in. The building underwent alterations: an attic was added and the interior was refurbished. The fortified walls gradually fell into disrepair as urban development progressed. It was not until 1911 that an association dedicated to preserving Vannes’s heritage was established, and that the ramparts of Vannes are put under protection, then classified Historical Monuments.
During the 20th century, the building, still known as Château de l'Hermine, was used for a variety of administrative purposes. In 1976, it became the property of the city of Vannes.
Vannes castle and ramparts today
Waiting to be restored and given a new lease of life, the temporary exhibitions occupy the ground floor. The castle is gradually being emptied so that the town can undertake renovation and restoration work.
The Château de l'Hermine is one of the city's landmarks and one of the most important places not to be missed during your stay in Vannes, Well worth a visit both by day and by night. Indeed, the castle is lit up at night and, during the festive season, it is adorned with beautiful lights, as are its ramparts.
The rampart gardens
As you stroll along the ramparts and around the castle, you will be able to admire the gardens of the ramparts of Vannes. A real pleasure for the eyes and for the garden loversespecially during flowering periods, especially in spring.
