Our Blog - Bretagne Trip - Summer 2021 - Day 23 - A quiet day near a chateau

Today was a rather interesting day. We started with driving to Belz (nearby) to have breakfast and take Lucy for a short walk in the woods. Then we picked up meat at the local butcher and headed back. After putting the laundry out on the line to dry, we relaxed for a little bit before driving about an hour South to Suscinio, a tiny little village (if you can call it a village) with a château. We weren't actually going to visit the château, but meeting a new friend who was staying nearby for a couple weeks. We walked around the château waiting to meet her for lunch at a local crêperie and took a few pictures. The château does actually allow puppies, but we did not want to be pressed for time in the visit, so we'll put that on the agenda for another day.

The first buildings here, a house set between the seaside and a forest full of game for hunting, dates from the beginning of the 13th century and was built to be the residence of the Dukes of Brittany. By the end of the 14th century, the heirs to the duchy were fighting to keep their assets and the castle was fortified and enlarged. A new residence block with a large, new corner tower (Tour Neuve) was built. The last resident here was Duke Francis II, who died in 1488. He was succeeded by his 11-year-old daughter, Anne of Brittany, who was the last ruling Duchess of Brittany, and twice Queen of France. She died in 1514 and Brittany lost its autonomy, becoming part of France. The castle was slowly abandoned and parts were destroyed. It was used on-and-off as a stone quarry until after the French Revolution.

It was in pretty bad shape in 1965 when the department bought the property and went about a large restoration. The first picture (compliments of Wikipedia) shows what it looked like before the restoration.

Then heading back around to the back side where the main part of the residence was.

The main entrance with the 2 large towers flanking the walkway and door. You'll notice the chapel window up on the top part of the right-hand tower. Over the door are carved coats-of-arms, which are in pretty rough shape now.

And as always, Lucy inspecting the property ....