Château de Montmuran
Montmuran, Les Iffs, France, 35630
With its perfectly preserved medieval architecture and two working drawbridges, Château de Montmuran is a highlight of the Rennes countryside. Join a guided tour to explore its two original 12th-century towers, as well as the imposing gatehouse, guardroom, dungeon, and chapel, plus take in views over the lush Dinan landscape dotted with more than 20 bell towers from atop the fortress walls.
The basics
Château de Montmuran is a must-see for families and architecture buffs traveling through the Brittany countryside, and is an easy day trip from Saint-Malo, Dinan, Dinard, and Rennes. You can also visit the castle as part of a Brittany driving or cycling tour that covers the region’s many historic fortresses and estates. Guided tours—the only way to access the inside of the castle—are just 90 minutes long, making it easy to combine a visit here with other nearby sights. Otherwise, make a quick stop to admire the historic architecture from the outside.
Things to know before you go
Visitors must join one of the castle’s guided tours (July and August only) to explore the interiors and climb the fortress walls.
Kids especially love exploring this intact medieval castle and taking on the 60 steps to the top of the walls.
The views from the castle walls are among the best in the Dinan countryside, so come prepared with a charged camera battery.
The castle is only partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, so confirm accessibility before booking a tour.
How to get there
Château de Montmuran is only accessible by car or bike, so visit as part of a driving or cycling tour through Brittany or take a taxi or rental car from nearby Rennes, the largest city in the region. Trains run directly between Paris and Rennes several times a day, making the trip in about 1.5 hours.
When to get there
The castle is only open for guided tours, which are offered starting in the afternoon every day except Saturday in July and August. Otherwise, visit during the annual Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) held each September, when the castle opens for visits and the neighboring village of Les Iffs comes alive with period games, events, and food stalls.
Visiting Les Iffs
Château de Montmuran sits just a few minutes from the tiny yet atmospheric village of Les Iffs, a tiny hamlet of historic stone houses clustered around its crown jewel: the Gothic Church of Saint-Ouen des Iffs. This 15th-century treasure—considered one of the finest rural churches in Brittany—wows with its intricately carved stonework and spectacular 16th-century stained-glass window. Other highlights include two wooden bas-reliefs representing the 12 apostles, a carved baptismal font from 1458, and an ornately decorated choir.
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