Château de La Bretesche - visite de la cour

La Bretesche is the former residence of the Barons of La Roche-Bernard. It takes its name from "Bertesca", an external structure built over the main gate of a castle to defend its entrance. The castle was built between 1430 and 1470 by Jean de Laval, Baron of La Roche-Bernard. During the Wars of Religion, the castle was a stronghold of Protestantism and in 1591 was besieged by the Duke of Mercoeur. From 1636 to 1648, Charles de Cambout, cousin of Cardinal de Richelieu, repaired and extended the castle. In 1793, the château became a rallying point for the royalists and was burnt down by Republican General Avril. One of the main owners was the de Montaigu family, who kept the estate until 1965.
The château is built on a crenellated terrace, surrounded on three sides by a moat, the fourth of which lies directly in a vast 13-hectare pond.


Access to the inner courtyard only in July and August - interior not open to visitors.