What medieval castle remains were found in Vannes?

Remains of the Chateau de l'Hermine, a castle built in the 1380s by Duke John IV of Brittany, were found under a Vannes mansion courtyard.

When were the castle remains excavated?

The fortress was first discovered in 2021, with further excavations conducted in 2023 ahead of the Vannes Museum of Fine Arts construction.

What did the excavations at the Chateau de l'Hermine reveal?

Excavations revealed a decorated facade, several rooms, passageways, staircases, and the ground floor of a large building, alongside 15th and 16th-century artifacts.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Medieval Castle Unearthed in French Courtyard

Medieval Castle Unearthed in French Courtyard

8 Feb

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Summary

Castle remnants from the 1380s found under a Vannes courtyard.
Fortress belonged to Duke John IV of Brittany, Chateau de l'Hermine.
Excavations revealed decorated facades, rooms, passageways, and staircases.

Medieval Castle Unearthed in French Courtyard

In Vannes, France, archaeologists have uncovered the substantial remains of a medieval castle dating back to the 1380s. These remnants are part of the Chateau de l'Hermine, originally constructed by Duke John IV of Brittany.

The discovery was made beneath the courtyard of a private mansion in Vannes. Subsequent excavations in 2023, conducted ahead of the Vannes Museum of Fine Arts construction, aimed to map the full extent of the fortress.

Findings include a decorated facade, multiple rooms, and passageways, along with staircases. Archaeologists also identified the ground floor of a large building measuring approximately 42 meters long and 17 meters wide, with walls up to 5.6 meters high.