Construction begins 1450 (≈ 1450)
Construction initiated by Pierre Landais.
XVIe siècle
Period of main construction
Period of main construction XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Castle associated at that time.
XIXe siècle
Farming
Farming XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Change of use of the building.
15 décembre 1926
Classification of the stack
Classification of the stack 15 décembre 1926 (≈ 1926)
Registration for historical monuments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
16th century fireplace (Box D 14): inscription by decree of 15 December 1926
Key figures
Pierre Landais - Treasurer of Duke Francis II
First owner and builder of the castle.
François II de Bretagne - Duke of Brittany
Sovereign under which Pierre Landais served.
Origin and history
The Château des Fontaines, located in Gahard in Ille-et-Vilaine, is a monument whose history dates back to the 15th century, although its main construction period was associated with the 16th century. Built in 1450, it originally belonged to Pierre Landais, treasurer of the Duke Francis II of Brittany. This castle, now in ruins, bears witness to Breton seigneurial architecture of that time.
Over the centuries, the Château des Fontaines underwent major changes, especially in the 19th century, where it was converted into a farm. Today, only a 16th century chimney remains, classified as historical monuments by order of 15 December 1926. This chimney is the only protected vestige of what was once an emblematic building of the area.
The castle illustrates the evolution of the use of seigneurial buildings in Brittany, from a residential and defensive function to agricultural use. Its designation as historic monuments underscores its heritage importance, despite its current state of ruins.
