The majestic castle towers are reflected in the Oust. Owned by the Rohans, one of the oldest families in Brittany, the castle is the symbol of this pretty town. Plan half a day to explore the charming little streets of this Small Town of Character and visit its basilica.
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Discover Josselin
On the banks of the Oust, Josselin is an important stage on the Route des Ducs. The history of the town is closely linked to that of its castle which overlooks it. In flamboyant Gothic style, it provides an interesting testimony to feudal and Renaissance architecture. Founded in the early 11th century, it is still today lived in by the descendants of the founders, the Rohan family. Take time to stroll around its gardens. They were designed by Achille Duchesne, landscape gardener, who also worked at Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Perfectly restored in 2006, the Sainte-Croix district is as old as the castle. Built around the charming chapel with the same name, it contains fine examples of half-timbered houses.
Did you know
A miraculous statue
Tradition says that a 9th-century farmer found a statue of the Virgin Mary in a coppice, which restored sight to his blind daughter. A sanctuary commemorating the miracle, Notre-Dame-du-Roncier basilica in Josselin, soon became a pilgrimage site for sick people seeking to be cured. The statue was destroyed during the Revolution and replaced with a modern piece of work.
Along the Oust
Learn while having fun; that’s the aim of the “Au fil de l’eau (On the water)” circuit. Fun and educational at once, this route highlights the Oust river, the natural areas and their biodiversity. It’s an original way to discover the local fauna, flora and history. Audio modules play funny stories, such as the one about the washerwomen, between hard work and gossip…
