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'.
Explore 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.
The Basilica Notre dame du Roncier was originally built in the 11th century in the roman style, but most of what we see today is a subsequent reconstruction in the Flamboyant gothic style - as seen in the gargoyles around the side.
Continue to the rear of the church, opposite the Mairie, and you can enter the belltower from here and climb to the top for some lovely views over the town, the canal and the castle. Be warned - there are over 100 steps.
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. The Office of Tourism in Josselin on rue des Trente is in one of the half-timbered houses.
Walk downhill from the basilica and you will walk past an entrance to the castle and on to the canal. Walk along the canal a little way for some spectacular views of the castle.
Josselin Castle
Josselin chateau dominates the town centre. 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 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. Also in the grounds of the chateau there is a dolls museum containing over 3000 dolls. The castle is open for guided visits from April to October.
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.
The Sainte-Croix quarter of Josselin is the oldest part of town and Rue Sainte-Crooix used to be the main commercial street of the town. Notice the stone benches that were once used as stalls by the shopkeepers. The Sainte-Croix chapel was built in the 11th century and was part of a group of religious and farm buildings owned by the Priory of Sainte Croix. Only the nave of the chapel and the house at number 5 remain from that time.
Head back over the canal and up Rue du Val d'Ouest. Where this meets Rue Glatinier you can see an unusual wooden house built in 1602. The whole house is covered in wood and there are only a few houses of this style in the hole of Brittany.
Although Josselin is perhaps a smaller town than you might expect from the size of the castle, the centre is very pretty and pleasant to explore.
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.
You can find more travel ideas in the Morbihan guide and the Brittany guide.
Photos of Josselin
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Map of Josselin and places nearby
Visit near Josselin with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Josselin
The Chateau de Josselin has a 1000 year history and includes both medieval and renaissance parts
Chateau de Josselin guide
Paimpont
Paimpont is well known for its 'magical forest', part of the ancient forests that once covered Brittany
Paimpont guide
Rochefort-en-Terre
Now listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France' you will enjoy a stroll around the centre of Rochefort-en-Terre and a look at the castle
Rochefort-en-Terre guide
Chateau de Pontivy
The Chateau de Pontivy has dominated the centre of Pontivy in Morbihan since 1485
Chateau de Pontivy guidePontivy
Pontivy is particularly interesting because it has a medieval old town and also a region added in the Napoleonic era to explore
Pontivy guide
Vannes
An unmissable highlight in this region of Brittany, the half-timbered houses in the centre of Vannes make it one of our favourite French medieval towns
Vannes guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Morbihan
Tourist classifications for Josselin
Josselin is classified as a recommended place to break a long journey (village d'etape)
Address: Josselin, Pontivy, Brittany, 56120, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.956, longitude -2.547
Plan your visit to Josselin, Morbihan
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Elven: village d'etape (25 km)
- Source - Rivière de Noyalo: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Forêt de Paimpont: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- La Vraie-Croix: ville fleurie 4* (30 km)
- Forges de Paimpont: site of natural beauty (31 km)
- Rochefort-en-Terre: ville fleurie 4* (33 km)
- Source - Marle: site of natural beauty (36 km)
- Vannes: town of art and history (37 km)
- La Gacilly: ville fleurie 4* (38 km)
- Source - Rance: site of natural beauty (38 km)
- Pont de Kérino: site of natural beauty (39 km)
- Pont du Vincin: site of natural beauty (39 km)
Market days in Josselin, France
Regular market(s) are held in Josselin each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Josselin (Francais)