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Origin and history

The castle of Lanniron, located in Quimper in Finistère, finds its origins in the 12th century as a summer residence of the bishops of Cornwall. In the 15th century, Bishop Bertrand de Rosmadec erected a first house, marking the beginning of his architectural development. The site changed profoundly between 1668 and 1706 under Monsignor François de Coëtlogon, who built gardens on contemporary terraces of those of Versailles, described in 1695 by the poet Nicolas de Bonnecamp. These spaces, rare in western France, include basins, canals and a water room called Neptune.

In the 18th century, the west wing was added by Bishop Auguste de Farcy, and the estate welcomed figures such as the critic Élie Fréron. Confiscated as a national good during the Revolution (1791), Lanniron changed hands several times in the 19th century, notably under the impulse of Emmanuel Calixte Harrington. The latter, assisted by architect Jean-Baptiste Bigot, gave him his neo-classical facade inspired by Palladian villas (1822-1833), with a six-column ionic prostyle. The Kerret family, then Blanchet de La Sablière, became its owner until the 20th century, enriching the park with a botanical collection from travels in Alaska.

During the Second World War (1940-1946), the castle and its surrounding 8 hectares were requisitioned to house the Frontstalag 135, a camp of colonial prisoners (more than 7,700 men, mainly African and Indochinese), followed by German soldiers (3,853 prisoners). Ten colonial prisoners and 39 Germans died there. After the war, the estate, devastated by the 1987 storm, has undergone major restoration since the 1990s: the reconstruction of the basins, the 17th century canal, and the driveways. Today, it combines historical heritage (classified gardens, orangery) and tourist activities (camping, golf, shows).

Lanniron's architecture combines medieval (15th century), classical (17th century terraces) and neo-classical (19th century facade). Its gardens, studied by archaeological excavations (2011), are being restored according to their original plans. The site, open to the public, participates in cultural events such as Heritage Days or Musical Weeks in Orangery, welcoming renowned artists. A commemorative stele (2010) recalls the history of the prisoners' camp, while the park now houses leisure activities (falcony, crotch).

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