A formidable fortress on the banks of the River Trieux
Deep in the historical Trégor region, overlooking the Trieux estuary, La Roche-Jagu castle boasts a very different style depending on which side you’re looking at! The residential-style main façade is graced with lots of windows, while the other side is much sterner-looking with its military airs. Most impressive of all, though, are the views right across the valley.
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Experience La Roche Jagu and the Trieux valley
Looking out over a sharp bend in the river, the spot on which La Roche-Jagu stands has always been a prime look-out point, so it is no surprise that a motte-and-bailey castle was built there as early as the 11th century, which, over time, became a stone fortress. Destroyed in the 14th century, it was rebuilt by Catherine de Troguindy from 1405 with the blessing of the Duke of Brittany, John V. Go for a wander in the park, stroll around the garden of medicinal plants and soak up the leafy atmosphere of the palm grove. When you get to the headland, feast your eyes on the sweeping views over the region!
A couple of miles away, the delightful town of Pontrieux (which literally means ‘bridge over the Trieux’) is one of Brittany’s 22 charming ‘Petite Cités de Caractère’. It is affectionately referred to as the ‘Little Venice of Trégor’ thanks to its waterside location. So what better way to explore it than by boat along the River Trieux? The town’s 50 washhouses can be reached by small boat from spring to autumn.
Did you know?
Still standing!
In the 11th and 12th centuries, there were ten fortresses built on the banks of the Trieux estuary. Today, La Roche-Jagu castle is the only one still standing.
At the water’s edge
The town of Pontrieux was once a bustling trading port at the crossroads of inland and coastal Brittany, with high levels of traffic passing through. There were eel and salmon fisheries, grain and paper mills operating there. This heritage-steeped town has retained all of its charm today. Head down the cobbled Saint-Yves street. It connects Place Yves Le Trocquer to Place de la Liberté.
