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Origin and history

The castle of Peter II is a former castle built at the beginning of the eleventh century in Guingamp, in the Côtes-d'Armor. Commanded by Pierre II of Brittany, said the Simple, it was built on an original castral motte, then transformed into a polygonal stone fortification. It was occupied until the 20th century by a primary school and revealed parts of local history through archaeological excavations conducted in 2005. Its remains, inscribed in 1926, testify to its defensive role and its integration into the fortified belt of the city.

Originally, a motte known as a motte in the Count was raised around the 11th century, then shaved in the 12th century by the Plantagenet during the resumption of the Duchy of Brittany. It was replaced by a stone fortification, destroyed at the end of the 14th century by order of Duke John V. The present castle was then rebuilt for Peter II, integrating into a wider defensive system: ramparts (1446–156), six towers, four gates, and two poternes protected Guingamp.

Located on a height, the castle strategically overlooks the Trieux valley, controlling access to the city. The ramparts, built by John de Beuves for Peter II, drew urban contours in the 15th century. The doors like Quincy or Tréguier, and the towers like Toulquéllenic or Saint-Sauveur, illustrated the military importance of the site. Today, its ruins recall this medieval past and its evolution throughout the centuries.

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