The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

The château of the Dukes of Brittany

The Nantes audio-guided tour welcomes you to the château of the Dukes of Brittany, in the heart of medieval Nantes. Its ramparts, its courtyard and its moats invite a true leap through time, along the history of the city and of Brittany.

From the Namnetes to Francis II

In the first century BC, the site was the capital of the Namnetes, a Gaulish people of Armorica. Having become Gallo-Roman under the name Condevicnum, the city acquired a wall still visible today. In the thirteenth century, the first dukes of Brittany took advantage of this enclosure to build their château. Enlarged over time, it was entirely rebuilt by Francis II, the last Duke of Brittany, who wanted it worthy of a city like Nantes.

What there is to see

The château offers the striking contrast between its powerful outer medieval ramparts and its elegant white tufa dwellings, inside the courtyard. You can walk freely along the wall-walk and the courtyard, and visit the Nantes history museum, set up in the buildings. Birthplace of Anne of Brittany, the site is one of the most emblematic of the city.

Practical information

The château of the Dukes of Brittany is in the heart of the medieval district of Nantes. The courtyard and ramparts are generally freely accessible; the visit of the Nantes history museum, inside, follows its own schedule, with a charge, whose opening times may vary with the season.

Who had the château rebuilt?

Francis II, the last Duke of Brittany, had it entirely rebuilt in the fifteenth century so that it would be worthy of a city like Nantes.

What can you visit at the château?

The ramparts, the courtyard and its dwellings, as well as the Nantes history museum set up in the château buildings.