Château Gaillard – Vannes History Museum
The Château Gaillard keeps its first floor for collections from prehistoric times up to the Gallo-roman period, and the second floor for objects from everyday life in medieval times.
Château Gaillard was built at the request of Jean of Malestroit, then bishop of Nantes, and later Duke Jean 5th's chancellor (1408-1442). In 1457, it served as the auditorium for the Breton parliament and as the president's residence. Typical of civilian architecture in the 15th century, this mansion's walls bear witness to the different stages of its history. One can nonetheless still make out its original layout. It is composed of two adjacent buildings on a narrow plot of land which reflects the strip-type parcelling of the urban fabric in the middle ages.
The two parts of the building, lit by windows with cruciform transoms, comprise spacious rooms with monumental fireplaces. A many-sided tufa spiral staircase allows access to the second floor. On this level, in the room known as "the Fathers of the desert, a very impressive work made up of 57 painted panels can be found, dating from the 17th century. The building was classed as a Historical Monument in 1913.
The museum invites visitors to discover its archaeological collections, from the prehistoric period, the Bronze Age, and the Gallic and gallo-roman epochs.
We would recommend in particular, a visit to the grave goods from the Neolithic era originating from the largest megalithic sites in Morbihan.
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Prehistoric tools (chopper, biface…), |
Polished axe and ring-disk in jadeite |
Veneti Gold Statere coin
2nd century BC
Arradon
Vannes museum collection
(Photo:Y. Boëlle)
The middle ages are much more than a historical period. The words conjure up familiar sounds, and images of knights and damsels with long willowy figures
Vannes in the middle ages is an open book. It comprises the story of the construction of the cathedral and the life generated in the surrounding streets, the presence of monastic clergy, the work of the artisans, the shadow of Saint-Vincent-Ferrier and his pilgrims.
Vannes is also the town of the Dukes of Brittany. Under Jean 4th (1365-1399), it grew, encircled by sturdy battlements. The newly-built Hermine castle became the main residence of the Duke.
It was during this prosperous period that Jean of Malestroit, chancellor of Duke Jean 5th (1339 – 1442), built Gaillard castle, a stone mansion, in a town of wooden houses. In a nearby street, the Cohue symbolises ducal administration, combining the market and the courts in the same location.
In Vannes, coins were minted, as evidenced by the aptly named road rue monnaie or "money street". Trade flourished and continued to do so throughout the following centuries, the construction of the port is testimony to this affluence.
The imposing castle of Suscinio lies within riding distance of the town. Originally a hunting house, it was gradually enlarged and embellished.
Everyday art The museum's collections conjure up images of simple mealtime activities: jugs, pitchers, varnished dishes.Decorative items, architectural items, tapestries, coins, weapons, etc. all make up an impressive ensemble that includes a few exceptional pieces such as the ivory goblet decorated with a courting scene |
Gobelet sculpté en ivoire XIVe siècle Coll. Musée de Vannes |
Coffret de bois peint XIIe siècle (Détail) Trésor de la cathédrale de Vannes |
A wooden box classed as a Historical monument, called "the wedding chest" from the cathedral collection, figures among our most important objects. Dated to the 12th century, decorated with scenes of chivalry and female figures, it has not yet unveiled all its secrets.
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Contact:
Musées d'histoire Château Gaillard (History museum)
2 rue Noé
Tel.: +33 (0)2 97 01 63 00
contact@mairie-vannes.fr
Opening times
From October to June: open to groups by arrangement
Open from mid-June to 30 September: every day from 10 am to 6 pm, including public holidays.
Visits
*Unaccompanied visit
*Guided tours of permanent archaeology collections from 1st July to 3rd September: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2.30 pm
Prices Dual ticket (Cohue, Château Gaillard). Full price: €6, concessionary price: €4
Group (more than 20 persons): €3 per person
Free for children under 12, school groups and members of the municipal library.