1 hour 40 minutes by car from the Nature & Résidence Loisirs Le Kervastard campsite, set off from Carantec or Plougasnou to discover the Château du Taureau, the unmissable jewel of the Bay of Morlaix in Brittany!
The Taurus Castle: History
At the beginning of the 16th century, the town of Morlaix was an important port. His wealth gave rise to much covetousness, especially from English pirates. After suffering several consecutive attacks, the inhabitants and traders of the town of Morlaix decided in 1542 to build a fort on the islet of Taureau to protect themselves. This first construction had an enclosure of 6.50 meters and remained the responsibility of the Morlaisians.
In 1660, King Louis XIV took over the fort and appointed Vauban, a renowned engineer-architect at the time, to undertake new work to strengthen the structure of the fort. The project began in 1689, but could not be completed until 1745. In the meantime, the castle changed its main function from defense to becoming a prison in the middle of the sea until 1871. Several famous inmates from the Breton aristocracy or even the revolution succeeded it.
State property, between 1930 and 1937, the Château du Taureau was transformed once again into a second home for rental for the rich heiress Mélanie Lévèque de Vilmorin. During the Second World War, the Germans stormed it to install their anti-aircraft batteries. In 1960, the monument resumed its civilian use as a sailing school on behalf of the Association du Center Nautique de la Baie de Morlaix. Although successful, the school had to close in 1980 due to insufficient maintenance funds.
Abandoned, the monument suffered damage and fell into ruin. But in 1989, local communities and public opinion mobilized to give the building a second life and the chance to rise from its ashes. A major restoration project was then launched in 1998 for a budget of 17 million francs, the equivalent of 3.5 million euros, allocated by the State. The work lasted 8 years.
In 2006, the Château du Taureau was finally open to the public with a whole program planned for children and adults. If you are staying in Brittany, more precisely at the 3-star campsite Le Kervastard, go and discover this monument steeped in history!
The Taurus Castle: What to do?
On the Bay of Morlaix, the Château du Taureau opens its doors to you from April to September to discover its history and cultural heritage. This sea fort is only accessible by boat from Carantec or Plougasnou. Speedboat times depend considerably on the tides. Don’t hesitate to check the timetables on the castle’s official website and book your boat there!
As soon as you board, choose your excursion and the associated entertainment:
- Discovery tour: First on a guided tour, discover the history of the fort. Free, appreciate the beauty of the place and explore its levels.
- Picnic: Bring your picnic basket to extend your walk and enjoy a moment of relaxation and pleasure strolling around the castle.
- Pilates: Pilates classes are organized regularly in the early morning by Nathalie Doner, according to a schedule.
- Storytelling evening, The corsair cartographer: Let your little ones listen to the incredible stories of Alain Diverres. Check the schedules.
- In the time of the corsairs: Your children will be delighted to discover the story of the privateer Morgane Rosko and her ship the Alcide. Check the events calendar.
- At the school of magic: Learn some secrets of magic with Professor Guillaume. Check the schedules.
The Taurus Castle: Practical information
Address :
Bull Castle
Bay of Morlaix
29252 Plouezoc’h
Prices :
Free for under 4s, €9 for children aged 4 to 12 and €16 for adults. Prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the entertainment chosen.
Guided tour included. Return crossing.
Payment on the spot.
Duration of the visit:
2 hours from Carantec (15 minutes crossing) and 2 hours 30 minutes from Plougasnou (45 minutes crossing).
How to access it?
- Boarding from Kelenn beach, in Carantec.
- Boarding from the port of Diben, in Plougasnou.
Reservation required online, by telephone or at tourist offices.
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