In Saint-Vougay, in Finistère, find the Château de Kerjean, one of the most beautiful Renaissance style residences in Brittany which testifies to the power of a family on the rise, but above all to a prosperous era.
1 hour 30 minutes from Le Kervastard campsite, Kerjean Castle, classified as a Historic Monument since 1911, welcomes you all year round and offers lots of activities and entertainment!
Kerjean Castle: History
In the country of Léon, more precisely in Saint-Vougay, the castle of Kerjean was built towards the end of the 16th century by the Barbier family, lords of Kerjean, to replace their old medieval manor, but above all to stand out in the region by their power and wealth.
The Renaissance style building is particularly inspired by the large constructions of the period known as “French style”, but also adapts to the Breton style. In addition, it is surrounded by an enclosure more than 10 m thick lined with deep ditches to ensure the defense of its occupants.
In 1618, Louis XIII, considering that the castle was one of the most beautiful residences in France, acceded to the request of the Barbier family and made the estate a marquisate. But quickly, the building was abandoned during the 17th century. When the Coatanscours took over, they gave the castle a second life. But this only lasted a moment. The French Revolution broke out and the Marquise was imprisoned and guillotined, leaving no heirs to the estate.
After the French Revolution, Kerjean Castle became a national asset. But, from 1802, it was sold successively to the Brilhac, Forsanz, then Coatgoureden families. In 1911, it was purchased by the State, then classified by decree as a historic monument.
Since 1985, the estate has been subject to the General Council of Finistère.
Today, the Kerjean estate represents a natural space of 20 ha where the castle, the ramparts, the chapel, the dovecote, the pillars of justice, a magnificent park, as well as a superb fountain on the banks of the river are located. pond.
Kerjean Castle, Daoulas Abbey, Relec Abbey, Kernault Manor and Trévarez Estate represent the 5 heritage estates of Finistère, managed by the public establishment “Chemins du patrimoine en Finistère”.
Kerjean Castle: What to do?
Kerjean Castle has 25 rooms to discover, from the cellar to the stately bedroom. From the start of the visit, you have access to 5 rooms equipped with multimedia supports allowing you to discover the rich times of Kerjean. An 8-minute film, an animated model, sculptures and much more are planned to convey the history of the castle to you, while having a good time. Ephemeral exhibitions are often scheduled throughout the year, which can also be discovered within the castle grounds!
The Kerjean estate includes a magnificent 19-hectare park, a true green setting which surrounds the Kerjean castle and where nature is strongly preserved. During a walk, you can discover several grassy areas which bear witness to a distant era, as well as numerous monuments such as the dovecote and the pillars of justice which are irrefutable proof of the power of the Barbier family.
If you are a lover of history, Renaissance style architecture, quiet walks in the middle of a well-maintained and preserved park, you will be pleasantly surprised by all the potential of the Kerjean estate. Don’t hesitate to visit it as soon as the opportunity arises or when you stay at a campsite in Finistère!
Kerjean Castle: Practical information
Official site :
https://www.cdp29.fr/fr/presentation-kerjean-le-chateau-de-kerjean
Address :
Route de Kerjean, 29440 Saint-Vougay, France
Hours of operation :
May 19 to June 30 and September 1 to 30:
Every day except Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
July 1 to August 31:
Every day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
October 1 to 31:
Every day except Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Open all year for groups.