Josselin Things to Do

2 more images

Rohan an old French name of nobility and clergy; the castle is great, well done, and the surrounding city center is lovely, highly recommended to stop by in lovely Bretagne. wonderful gardens and puppets museum done by the lady descendant of the Rohan still living in the castle. The river Ouest is part of the canal Nantes Brest.
need more let me know. I am a lazy writer.

1 more image

The basilica was originally built in the 11th century in the roman style, but most of what we see today is a subsequent reconstruction in gothic style - as seen in the gargoyles in particular. Be sure to climb the stairs (there are more than 100 steps) inside the tower for the best view across the rooftops of the town.

The castle is in the centre of the town of Josselin. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the chateau is that the Rohan family have owned the chateau for more than 500 years, including twice being ordered to demolish large parts of the castle, and having persistently rebuilt the chateau after each major event.

Although there has been a castle here since the first half of the 11th century (1008, to be exact) the original castle was destroyed by King Henry II in 1168, when the English were trying to claim Brittany as their territory. Construction of the current castle started around 1173.

To bad when we arrived here it was 12pm, so the chateau is closed, and it say that the garden is a 'French style' garden and an 'English style' garden.

For more information of this chateau and the open hour, can visit the chateau website.

1 more image

If you wander around the old medieval town with its half-timbered buildings, you'll soon come across the Notre Dame du Roncier which dominates the centre of Josselin.

Notre-Dame-du-Roncier is built on the spot where, in the ninth century, a peasant supposedly found a statue of the Virgin under a bramble bush. The statue was burnt during the Revolution, but an important pardon is held each year on September 8.

The style of this church represents the flamboyant architecture of the 15th century, and parts date from the 12th century.

During July & August, you can climb the bell tower free of charge to enjoy splendid views over the castle and river [access by seperate door at the foot of the tower].

3 more images

The centre of Josselin is part pedestrianised. There are some wonderful half timbered houses remarkably well preserved from the 17th C., that retain the character of the place. Each of the important buildings or locations has an interpretive plaque giving information (in French).

The town has been awarded a special status as one of Brittany's 'Petite cité de caractère et ville fleurie' - that is a small town of character, and three stars for their flower displays.

There are a choice of several pavement cafes and restaurants. A full list of eateries can be found on the town website listed below. There is also info on some of the more historic buildings.

3 more images

Right in the centre of Josselin is the Basilique Notre Dame du Roncier (Our Lady of the Brambles Church). This is a very large and impressive building. If you go around the back of the church you will find a wisteria covered enterance to the bell tower (July & August).

Sometimes a couple of students are there to hand you an info sheet on the church/tower and sometimes not. The major European languages are covered.

You then climb the steps up past the massive church bell and out onto the roof of the tower where the most fantastic views of Josselin and the countryside beyond are to be had. It's certainly the best view of the town side of Chateau Josselin.

This is a geat place to bring your camaera on a clear day.

There is no rush, you can stay as long as you like. If you feel generous, you can give the students some coins, but there is no charge to visit the tower.

Josselin has an excellent Tourist Information Office located within one of the finest of the medieval half timbered buildings in the Town.

They stock an excellent collection of leaflets on all there is to see and do in the southern Morbiham area, including details of boat trips along the coast and in the Gulf of Morbihan.

They will also have details of local fetes and festivals, which are well worth visiting if they cooincide with your trip, as they are an important part of the culture of Brittany.

The staff are very helpful and will go out of their way to get the information you need, even if it is not to hand.

Most of the major towns of Brittany have a market day, and Josselin's is on a Saturday morning.

This is possibly one of the best markets in Brittany, and is not just a great place for tourists to visit, it is also where many of the local residents will come themselves to buy their own provisions.

It’s best to arrive fairly early and park on the outskirts of town as many of the central streets are closed to accommodate the market. Those streets that are not closed can still become very congested. It's all over by lunch time, so its no good arriving at 11:30!

On the day we went to the market we bought some lovely dried and fresh flower arrangements that were being sold by the vendor almost as quick as he could make them up. There is a massive selection of stalls here are some of those I remember: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables; fresh shellfish; fresh fish; cooked chickens; sausages; leather goods; pottery; live chickens; olives; plants; clothes; wooden craft items; wine; cider; bread, cheese; flowers.

Just before lunch time it's best to grab a table at one of the pavement cafes/restaurants as once the church tower strikes 12 everyone downs tools and they are in very short supply!