Loire Valley Châteaux- Château des ducs de Bretagne

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	Essential Architecture- Loire Valley Châteaux Château des ducs de Bretagne
architect	Built by Guy of Thouars, Duke of Brittany
location	Nantes, Pays de la Loire, France
date	Built 1207, rebuilt 1466 In use 1207 - 1862
style	French Renaissance
construction	Stone
type	Palace Fortified château

	Entrance as it appeared between 1890 and 1905

	The old keep




The Château des ducs de Bretagne (English: Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) is a large fortified château located in the city of Nantes in the Loire-Atlantique département of France; it served as the centre of the historical province of Brittany until its separation in 1941. It is located on the right bank of the Loire, which formerly fed its ditches. It was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany between the 13th and 16th centuries, subsequently becoming the Breton residence of the French Monarchy. The castle has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. Restoration Starting in the 1990s, the town of Nantes undertook a massive programme of restoration and repairs to return the site to its former glory as an emblem of the history of Nantes and Brittany. Following 15 years of works and three years of closure to the public, it was reopened on 9 February 2007 and is now a popular tourist attraction. The restored edifice now includes the new Nantes History Museum, installed in 32 of the castle rooms. The 500 metre round walk on the fortified ramparts provides views not just of the castle buildings and courtyards but also of the town.
links	Official website (English) Ministry of Culture database entry for Château des ducs de Bretagne (French) Ministry of Culture photos
www.paris-architecture.info