Image:Josselin.300pix.jpg

One of the most impressive castles in France, the Château de Josselin is open to visitors. The castle looks across the River Oust. It was built from wood in about 1000 AD by the Count of Porhoët and named after his second son, Josselin. The castle was continually expanded over the next 500 years but total rebuilding was needed after Henry II of England destroyed most of it in 1168. In 1629 Cardinal Richelieu had five of the castle's nine towers pulled down.
Best seen from the bridge over the river Oust, from where it looks severe and unwelcoming with the massive walls and three towers rising straight from the river-bank.
Visitors can see five highly-decorated rooms along the main floor. The castle is still the home of the Rohan family. The present Duchess has had the 19th century stables converted into an interesting Musée de la Poupée, or Doll Museum, with an extensive collection of antique dolls and dolls' furniture from all over the world. You can visit this separately from the castle.

Taken by Adrian Pingstone in 1992 and released to the public domain.

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