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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Joyeuse Garde, located at the place called Goelforest in La Forest-Landerneau (Finistère), is an emblematic monument dating back to the twelfth century. Built on the site of an old castle potentially dating from the 6th century, it is now reduced to remains: panels of walls, foundations, and a warhead arcade. These ruins allow to reconstruct its original plan, a long square flanked by five towers. Since the 15th century, it has been associated with the castle of Joyeuse Garde of Arthurian legend, where Lancelot du Lac would have released the place, formerly called "Doulous Guard", from the abuses of bloodthirsty giants.

In 1342 the castle was taken by the troops of Charles de Blois over those of Jean de Montfort, who held garrison there. Following this conquest, Charles de Blois ordered his dismantling, reducing the fortress to ruins. In the 15th century, the site was already described as ruined, and in 1844 the Chevalier de Fréminville drew up a desolate state of affairs: ditches, foundations to flower, and a partially obstructed underground. Despite its deterioration, the castle retains a mythical aura, reinforced by its classification as historical monuments in 1975.

The site is also marked by a local legend, according to which he would have been a den of giants before being released by Lancelot du Lac, bearing his current name. This association with Arthurian narratives, combined with its turbulent history, makes it both a historical and a symbolic place. The present, though fragmentary, vestiges offer a valuable testimony to Breton medieval architecture and its cultural heritage.

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