Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Villeneuve-Jacquelot, located in Quistinic (Morbihan), finds its origins in the 12th century with a square tower still visible today. The current mansion was built around 1510 by the lord of La Villeneuve, transforming the former castle into a marina. The first written records of the seigneury date from 1411, attesting its influence on 27 parishes with rights of high, medium and low justice. Villeneuve's family probably died in the 16th century, and the estate passed to the Cybouault by marriage or acquisition.

In the 17th century, Louise Cybouault, last heiress, married Louis de Jacquelot de La Motte, councillor in the Parliament of Brittany in 1644. A chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-du-Cloître was built in 1638 nearby. The castle preserves elements from the 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th centuries: medieval archeries, Gothic chimneys, a monumental right staircase (first of the kind in Brittany), and carved coats of arms. He would have witnessed major events such as the War of Succession of Brittany (14th century), the conspiracy of Pontcallec (1718-1720), and Chouannery (1792-1804).

From 1644 to 1789, the castle houses councillors in the Parliament of Brittany. In 1950, it was acquired by the Magon family of La Vieuxville. Damaged by a fire in 2013 (roof and furniture destroyed), it has been restored since 2009 by the association La Renaissance Jacquelot, returning to its roof in 2018. The site, classified as Historic Monument in 1970, is distinguished by its arched granite staircase with rare sculptures (trifrons, animals, musicians) and its rectangular plan with round and square towers.

Two films were shot: Chouans! (1988) and Marion du Fauët (1997). Today, the castle offers visits organized by the association, highlighting its architectural and historical heritage, mixing Middle Ages, Renaissance and classical era.

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