Josselin, with fewer than 3000 inhabitants, is a quiet town with a long history. Its famous château has been razed and rebuilt several times. Since the 15th century it has been owned by the Rohan family, who still reside there.

Château de Josselin.

Guided tours are offered in season, allowing the visitor to see the interior of the château as well as its ornate inner façade, which is in sharp contrast to the fortress-like view from the river, the view presented to enemies. Carvings of animals and other designs, as well as stylized letters for the Rohan motto A Plus, make for an interesting façade.

Nearby is the Musée des Poupées, or Doll Museum, with over 500 dolls from the Rohan collection. A combined ticket with the château offers a discounted fee.

In the center of the village is the beautiful church, Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Roncier, or Our Lady of the Brambles. Legend has it that a farmer found a statue of the Virgen in a bramble bush on this spot in 808. It became a site of pilgrimage, and the legend further says that the farmer's daughter was cured of her blindness.

The church is Gothic, with wonderful gargoyles. It contains the tombs of Eudon 1er de Porhoët, the son of Josselin, and his wife, Anne de Léon, which date from the 11th century.

It is also possible to climb the Tower, for beautiful views of the Château de Josselin and the surrounding countryside.

11th century by Guéthenoc, the Viscount of Porhoët and named for his son, the medieval city has preserved a number of beautiful half-timbered houses. A short walking tour will take you past several of these.

The town enjoyed great prosperity in the 17th century, thanks to its talented craftsmen. And in the 19th century, the 385-km (239-mile) Nantes-Brest Canal with 238 locks was inaugurated in 1838, bringing more commerce to the town.

The Nantes-Brest Canal in Josselin, Britttany.

Josselin, a bit off the beaten path, is 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Rennes in the middle of the Morbihan department. The area offers many outdoor activities, especially those having to do with King Arthur. For example, it's only 55 kilometers (34 miles) west of the legendary forest of Brocéliande, said to contain the tomb of Merlin the Magician.

Tourism Information

Josselin provides tourist information through the mairie (Town Hall; map), where friendly staff can tell you about what to see and do in their town and the surrounding area.

Josselin Information
Mairie de Josselin
de ROHAN Place Alain
BP 36-56120
Josselin, France
+33 (0)2 97 22 24 17

Where to Stay

Josselin has only a few hotels, but many chambre d'hôtes where you can stay, and many (and fancier) hotels in towns nearby.

The most convenient hotel is the Hôtel de Château across the River from the château and a short walk from the town center. Rated at three stars, it is comfortable and family-run, with simple but adequate rooms, a good dining room, free parking, and spectacular views of the château from some rooms. Note that there is no elevator/lift; your luggage must be carried up steps to your room.

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