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Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier was built around 1225 for Duke Pierre Mauclerc. This castle, with ten towers and five-metre thick walls, was a strategic issue in the struggles between the Dukes of Brittany and the kings of France. He underwent several strengthening campaigns, notably under John V (1435-1437) and Francis II (1449-1464), before being shaved by Charles VIII at the end of the 15th century, with the exception of the dungeon.

The dungeon, the only remaining vestige, bears witness to the military importance of the site. The public parts of the two enclosures of the castle, with their elevations and plate floor, were inscribed in historical monuments by order of 3 October 2017. Today, the site belongs to the Ille-et-Vilaine department and retains a major heritage value for the Brittany region.

The castle played a key role in the conflicts between Brittany and France, particularly during the Brittany War of Succession. The fortification works conducted by John V and Francis II reflect the political tensions of the time. After its partial destruction, the site lost its military use but remained a symbol of feudal struggles in Brittany.

The current remains allow us to imagine the extent of the old fortress. The excavations and archaeological studies revealed details of its architecture and spatial organization. The dungeon, though ruined, offers a glimpse of the defensive power of the castle at its peak.

The Château de Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier is today a historic site open to the visit, allowing to discover an important part of Breton medieval history. Its inscription in historic monuments underscores its heritage and cultural importance to the region.

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