Josselin

Visit Josselin, Brittany

Josselin is in the Morbihan department of central Brittany, betwen Rennes (to the east) and Vannes (to the south-west). It is a very pleasant town to visit in a lovely setting on the Oust river and Nantes-Brest canal overlooked by a castle. the town is listed as a 'small city of character'.

Exploring Josselin

Start your visit in the historical centre of Josselin, where the main highlights are the narrow streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses, and the important basilica. Your route heads roughly north, following from the castle and canal, passed the cathedral and old town, then continuing up as far as the Place de la Resistance.

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.

On the same square as the cathedral, one of the finest medieval buildings in Josselin is the substantial red and white half-timbered house at the top of the Place Notre-Dame, while others can also be seen in the other historic streets around the centre.

Return to the canal for a pleasant stroll along the banks below the chateau, then cross the bridge for a stroll around the 'Sainte-Croix' region of Josselin.

Josselin Castle

It is Josselin chateau that dominates the town, and helps draws the crowds. The castle was originally built around the 11th century, but underwent substantial transformation during the 17th century to make it more comfortable as living accommodation, and again a few decades later when a significant part of the original structure was demolished, but it remains a very imposing castle.

A little sombre in appearance on the canal-side, the castle has three large round towers to break up the appearance, and also an unattached prison tower (originally the castle had nine towers in all). The side of the castle away from the river is more decorative following the renaissance period changes, and there is a lot of interesting stonework and carving around the doors and windows. The castle is still owned and inhabited by the Rohan family, who originally built it.

The interior of the chateau features furnishings dating from the 17th to 19th century, with the grand fireplaces being a particular feature. The gardens at Josselin Chateau are another highlight of a visit - well maintained and worth visiting, and featuring a 'French style' garden and an 'English style' garden.

Attractions close to Josselin

There are several picturesque woodlands close by where you can enjoy the peaceful environment of central Brittany, such as in the Bois d'Amour close to the town, or in the historic Broceliande Forest, one of the last remaining parts of the extensive forests that once covered most of this region.

See Brittany and Morbihan (the region and department for Josselin) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Josselin: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Josselin, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sainte-Anne d'Auray 41km; Morbihan Gulf 44km; Ile-d'Arz 45km; Moncontour 45km; Saint-Goustan 46km; Ile aux Moines 46km; Auray 46km; Redon 48km;

Josselin tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

La Vraie-Croix - ville fleurie 4* (30km) : La Gacilly - ville fleurie 4* (38km) : Jardin du Botrain - remarkable garden (42km) : Golfe du Morbihan - site of natural beauty (44km) : Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marche - ville fleurie 4* (45km) : Lac de Guerlédan - site of natural beauty (46km) : Jardins de Kerambar’h - remarkable garden (46km) : Jardin du Colombier - remarkable garden (49km) :

See more places and a map at places near Josselin