Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The hotel de la Bertaudière, located at 2 rue du Chat-qui-Dance in Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine), is a private hotel built in 1649 by Claude Crosnier, Sieur de la Bertaudière. Its curved portal, opening on an inner courtyard, bears this engraved date. This building partially replaces the remains of the Château Gaillard, a fortress erected from 1394 under Charles VI to protect the town side sea, whose materials were reused for its construction.

The hotel is especially famous for probably being the home of Robert Surcouf, an iconic malouin corsair. It illustrates 17th century civil architecture in this port city, marked by the rise of maritime commerce and race. The site, a witness to this history, was listed as historic monuments on February 14, 1946 for its heritage and memorial value.

Before its construction, the site housed Château Gaillard, built to defend Saint-Malo from attacks from the sea. This castle was then replaced by the current castle of Saint-Malo, reoriented to control the city itself. The re-use of the stones of Château Gaillard to build the hotel symbolizes this transition between military defence and urban development.

Today, the hotel de la Bertaudière is distinguished by its historic address and its connection to Surcouf, a major figure in the Malian race. Its inscription in the title of historical monuments in 1946 underlines its importance in the architectural and maritime heritage of Brittany. Sources, such as Philippe Petout's work or the Merimée base, document its history and precise location.

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