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Château de Bonnefontaine: A Breton Renaissance Jewel

Discover the enchanting Château de Bonnefontaine in Brittany: a historic castle with stunning architecture and picturesque English gardens.

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The Château de Bonnefontaine, located in Val-Couesnon, France, is a stunning 16th-century castle showcasing Breton Renaissance architecture and a romantic English-style park. With its elegant turrets, tall windows, and historic interiors, it offers a glimpse into French history and landscape design.

A brief summary to Château de Bonnefontaine

Local tips

  • Explore the vast English-style park surrounding the château, designed by renowned landscape architects.
  • Visit the tree of Duchess Anne of Brittany, a chestnut tree stump with a plaque commemorating its history.
  • Check the official website for events, including guided tours and weddings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the extensive park and gardens.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from Rennes, take the D175 towards Val-Couesnon. Follow the signs to Antrain. Château de Bonnefontaine is located near the town center. Parking is available on-site. Be aware that parking may be limited during peak season or special events. No tolls are expected on the final approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Rennes, take the BreizhGo bus line 4a towards Val-Couesnon. Get off at the Antrain Bourg stop, which is close to the town hall. From there, it's a 15-20 minute walk to Château de Bonnefontaine. Bus tickets cost approximately €4-€7. Check the BreizhGo website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Walking

    From the center of Antrain, follow the signs towards Château de Bonnefontaine. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and takes you through the charming streets of the town. There are no specific access fees for reaching the entrance.

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Discover more about Château de Bonnefontaine

Château de Bonnefontaine, nestled in the commune of Val-Couesnon in Brittany, France, is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle's origins are linked to Geoffroy Chaussebœuf, who donated the land to the abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur. Later, it was owned by the Saint-Brice family and then passed to Guillaume de Porcon through marriage in 1370. Arthur de Porcon, chamberlain to Duchess Anne of Brittany, played a significant role in the castle's history. The castle's architecture reflects the Breton Renaissance style, characterized by elegant turrets, tall windows, and sculpted dormers. These features soften the robust appearance of the machicolated towers topped with pepper-pot roofs. The Rohan Chabot family eventually acquired Bonnefontaine through marriage to the Porcon family. Extended in the 19th century, the castle is surrounded by a 25-hectare English-style park, designed by renowned landscape architects Denis Bühler and Édouard André. Bühler also created the Thabor gardens in Rennes, while André designed the Parc Monceau in Paris and Hyde Park in London. The park features vast natural spaces with diverse tree species, including redwoods, bald cypresses, magnolias, fuchsias, hydrangeas and rhododendrons. A curious stump of a chestnut tree remains, known as the tree of Duchess Anne of Brittany. According to local lore, Anne would sit under the tree. Unfortunately, the tree didn't survive a storm in 1987, but was kept and sport a plaque reminding its story. Today, Château de Bonnefontaine is a popular venue for weddings and events. Its historic interiors and picturesque grounds provide a charming setting for celebrations. Visitors can explore the park, admire the architecture, and learn about the castle's rich history.

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