- Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

The first ducal castle was built in the 13th century on the Gallo-Roman wall - still visible - of the town settled by the Namnètes, and was demolished in the 15th century to make way for the present building. This was the work of Francis II, last Duke of an independent Brittany, who wanted to make the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany both a military fortress, as a defence against the King, and the principal residence of the ducal court.

His work was continued by his daughter, Anne, Duchess of Brittany, twice Queen of France through her marriages to Charles VIII and then Louis XII.

Her influence can be seen in the sculptural decor (dormer windows on the main residence, the coat of arms and loggias on the Golden Crown Tower (Tour de la Couronne d'Or)), marked by early signs of the Italian Renaissance.

Following the integration of Brittany into France in 1532, during the 16th and 17th centuries the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany became the Breton residence of the Kings of France, and later a barracks, military arsenal and prison.

For three centuries it endured countless transformations and considerable damage: fortifications, a fire in 1670, construction of the Military Saddlery (Harnachement) for storing artillery equipment, an explosion in 1800...