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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Loyat found its origins in the 16th century as a fortress of the Viscount of Porhoët, built by Beatrice de Rostrenen and Jean d'Acigné. At the end of the 17th century, the estate, in poor condition, was acquired by Louis de Coëtlogon, Attorney General of the States of Brittany. His son, René Charles de Coëtlogon, undertook a complete reconstruction between 1718 and 1734 with the valveite architect Olivier Delourme, financed in part by his uncle, Alain Emmanuel de Coëtlogon, Marshal of France. The new Baroque style castle incorporates defensive elements inherited from the old fortress, such as partially preserved moat.

The castle remained in the Coëtlogon family until 1791, when it was sold for lack of direct heir. In the 19th century, he passed into the hands of the Briot family (which was completed in 1823), then of the Count of Champagny, who removed the moats to build a French-style park inspired by André Le Nôtre. In 1885, the Delprat family became its owner and retained the estate, including 160 hectares of forest, until 2018. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1945, the castle is now restored by its new owners, who open it for cultural events.

The architecture of the castle, marked by a south façade decorated with a pediment with Coëtlogon coat of arms (three banners of Brittany), reflects the influence of Breton elites under the Old Regime. The park, structured in terraces and ponds connected by streams, illustrates the art of 18th century gardens. The interiors, rich in woodwork and period decorations, have been preserved despite changes in owners. In 2008, a major restoration of the façade, supported by local authorities, kept its authenticity.

The estate also includes historical outbuildings: two entrance pavilions (chapelle and lodge of the manager), a farm, and a vegetable garden. The ponds and alleys, built in the 18th century, complete this exceptional setting. Since 2018, the new owners, Guillaume and Camille Ropars, have replaced the 40-room castle and are undertaking work to make it accessible to the public, while preserving its architectural and landscape heritage.

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