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Origin and history

Lehélech Castle was built around 1660 by Jean Le Mintier, seigneur of Lehélech and page of Louis XIV. This Louis XIII style castle is distinguished by its local rosé stones of ferruginous schist, granite frames of Péaule and tuffeau ornaments. The coats of arms of the Le Mintier ("de gules à la croissants engrélée d'argent") and the Bocan ("de azure à une bande d'argent la charge de trois croissants") adorn the northern pediment. Inside, a wrought iron staircase ramp, attributed to François Le Mintier, colonel of Louis XVI, was retouched by the king himself, an amateur of iron art.

The estate, which has been listed as historic monuments since 1966, includes facades, roofs, terraces and a remarkable staircase. It is open to the public in summer, with paid guided tours. The site also houses a venetian stele and tumulus dating back to 500 B.C., reflecting an ancient occupation. The castle has remained in the Le Mintier family since the 16th century, when Marie Bocan, the last heir of the lords of Lehélech, married François Le Mintier in 1578. The family, noble Breton certified since 1440, still owns the estate today.

The coat of arms of the Le Mintier, visible on the castle, bear the motto "Deus Meus, omnia sunt" ("My God is my all") and are surmounted by a crown of marquis, flanked by two lions. The original mansion, built in 1554 by the Bocans, remains nearby. Augustin-René-Louis Le Mintier, a member of this line, was bishop of Tréguier from 1780 to 1790. The castle thus illustrates five centuries of Breton history, combining architectural heritage, local nobility and prehistoric remains.

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