A Medieval Castle Has Been Unveiled in an Unexpected Way in Vannes, Northwestern France.
According to Heritage Daily, the ancient castle was discovered beneath the foundations of Château Lagorce, a private villa built in the 18th century that currently operates as a hotel.
During the Middle Ages, Vannes was the center of a duchy known as Bro-Wened (meaning “Vannes”) or Bro-Ereg (“land of Gwereg”).
A section of the castle discovered in the hotel courtyard – (Photo: Inrap).
Given its historical significance, scientists from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) meticulously examined the soil when Château Lagorce was being renovated to prepare for the construction of an art museum.
During the initial excavation phase, researchers studied the hotel courtyard, where they uncovered two layers of defensive walls from the castle and a moat, located 4 meters below the road surface.
This 600-year-old castle was built in the late 14th century by Jean IV, who held the titles of Duke of Brittany and Count of Montfort since 1345, and the 7th Earl of Richmond since 1372.
Known as Château de l’Hermine (Castle of the Ermine), the structure was intended to assert Jean IV’s central authority over his duchy and the ancient town of Vannes.
According to Inrap, the remaining stone structures indicate that the castle had 3 to 4 floors and several staircases, one of which is notably well-preserved.
The research team also found traces on some stones that had been shaped for decorative wall cladding and other auxiliary structures like restrooms and drainage systems.
Many artifacts reflect the life of its inhabitants during the 15th and 16th centuries, including coins, knives, tiles, wooden bowls, kitchen utensils, and various pieces of jewelry. Due to the soil conditions, items such as clothing, shoe buckles, pins, rings, and locks have remained significantly intact.
The excavations also uncovered a workshop connected to the residential area of the castle, which featured a large well supplied by a canal, as well as the remains of a bridge linking the castle to the rest of the ancient town.
