Visit the castle of Combourg : tickets, prices, times

During your stay in Brittany, don’t forget to visit the castle of Combourg. A true jewel, this castle is a must in Brittany!

The castle of Combourg alone evokes the history of Brittany and its occupants. Unable to mention it without thinking of Chateaubriand who will immortalize it in his most famous work: the Mémoires d’Outre-Tombe . Medieval fortress tower, resort, military hospital and then, school, but also seat of arthurian legends, discover its multiple lives the time of a walk. Would you like to visit the castle of Combourg? Find all the necessary information, schedules, rates, access, to fully enjoy this historical parenthesis, in the heart of romantic Brittany.

History of the castle of Combourg

The history of the castle of Combourg dates back to the 11th century, with the construction of the first dungeon by Bishop Ginguené for his brother, the first lord of Combourg. The rest of the castle will be built as the next three centuries, at the will of the wars and battles to preserve the independence of the region. With those of Vitré and Fougères, the castle of Combourg forms the “walks of Brittany”, thus defending the borders of the Duchy, until its definitive connection to the Kingdom of France in 1532.

The late eighteenth century saw the family of Chateaubriand take possession of the premises for nearly ten years. Despite the passage of the revolution, its partial destruction, and the guillotiny of its owner, the castle of Combourg will remain the property of its descendants until now.

In the middle of the 19th century, Geoffroy de Chateaubriand, a small nephew of François-René, will work to restore it and make it again habitable. It is this neo-Gothic version, inspired by Viollet-Le-Duc, that visitors can admire today.

Our tips to visit the castle of Combourg

A few welcome tips for your visit to take place without a hook.

Accessibility

The castle is a medieval fortress, which became a 19th century resort. As a result, it has a number of stairs, more or less narrow. In order to keep the original constructions intact, the owners did not make arrangements such as lifts. Visiting the castle of Combourg is therefore not recommended to persons with reduced mobility, and to families with strollers.

The park, on the other hand, is quite flat and accessible. Do not use a baby carrier if you have children under age.

The best period

Visit the castle of Combourg is only done with a guide by small groups, English or French .

During the summer season, it is best to prefer a visit to the opening (10h). Outside this very tourist season, site attendance is relatively reasonable. Know, however, that the entire site closes between 12:30 and 14:00, including July and August. It is then necessary to be careful when choosing your arrival schedule in order to be able to fully enjoy the place and its outside, without having to press you.

The duration of the visit

Visit the castle of Combourg hard 1h . In high season, departures can be delayed by 30 minutes to allow a more fluid situation on the scene. It should be noted that the last visit starts 1h15 before the closure of the site, depending on the affluence, so plan to arrive early if you want to discover the interior of the building.

The gardens extend to a loss of view over several hectares. You can easily dedicate a few minutes or several hours, or even spend the afternoon in order to enjoy each carefully arranged corner.

What to do during your visit to Combourg Castle?

The site visit is divided into two parts: the interior of the castle, and its exteriors.

The inside of the castle

Visit the castle of Combourg allows you to appreciate the medieval architecture of the building, and to discover the few furniture inherited from Chateaubriand.

In the large living room of the fortress, you will observe the strange similarity between the coat of arms of the first lords of Combourg and those of one of the most famous knights of the Round Table: Lancelot. The latter is an integral part of the legends surrounding the castle of Combourg. Myth or reality, immerse yourself in the stories of the origin of the quiet lake, the legend of the black cat and the wooden leg, or the mysteries of Brocéliande.

Its exterior

Then place to visit the park of 25 hectares and its gardens in English. Part of the “Green Court”, so dear to Chateaubriand was reproduced in the same way, during the restoration of the castle.

At the same time, you will discover in turn the rose of Chateaubriand, baptized and rewarded during the Floral Medieval 2014, but also the quiet lake, and the Combourg forest, entrance gate to Brocéliande, high places of Breton legends. Who knows, maybe you will see the fairy Viviane at the turn of a path?

How much does a ticket cost to the Combourg Castle?

The fares of the ticket to visit the castle of Combourg depend on the age of visitors and what you want to visit.

• The castle and the park cost 8,70€ for one adult.
• The price is 4,70€ children 5 to 12 years.
• He is free children 0 to 4 years.
• ♪ students benefit from a reduced fare to 6,70€.
• It is also possible to opt for the visit of park alone. The ticket is available for all, at a single fare 3,70€.

How do I book an online ticket for Combourg Castle?

It is not possible to book an online ticket for the castle of Combourg. The purchase is made only on site On the day of your visit.

Are there guided tours of the castle of Combourg?

The visit of the interior of the castle is necessarily guided and commented. Indeed, the place is always inhabited by the descendants of the Chateaubriand family, so only some rooms are accessible, according to a precise itinerary.

The visit lasts on average 1h , and makes you discover the history and peculiarities of this high place of the resistance of the Duchy of Brittany and the Diocese of Dol. On the other hand, the 25-hectare park is completely free.

Are there visits combined with other monuments of Combourg?

There is no combined visit with that of the castle of Combourg.

On the other hand, you will find in a 50km radius, the Château de Fougères , greater medieval fortress of Europe, and Château de la Bourbansais , whose park is home to a fabulous zoo of nearly 400 animals. The sumptuous Ballue gardens are also a must in the region. Accessible from March to November, they offer visitors an enchanted plant parenthesis where ponds are located, flowerbeds and alleys.

Opening hours

Visit the castle of Combourg and its park is only possible February to October . Hours vary depending on the season:

• February and March: every afternoon, 2:00 to 5:00, Closing on Saturday.
• April to June, September and October: Sunday afternoon to Friday, 10:00 to 12:30, and from 2:00 to 6:00. Closed on Saturday all day and Sunday morning.
• July and August: open every day, 10:00 to 12:30, and from 2:00 to 6:00.

How do I access Combourg Castle?

• The easiest way to access Combourg Castle is to take the car. The site is 40km from Saint-Malo and Rennes25 km from Dinan.
• However, it is possible to get there quite easily by train. Indeed, the castle is only 6 minutes by taxi from the station, or 30 minutes by foot. Ideal for abandoning his vehicle for a few hours from Saint-Malo, Rennes or Dinan.

Where to park near Combourg Castle?

To facilitate your visit to the Castle of Combourg, parking is available at the entrance. Depending on the attendance, the latter can quickly fill up. You can park at the edge of the fortress along the road.

Where to stay near Combourg Castle?

In the village of Combourg, you will find two hotel-restaurants to accommodate you: the hotel-restaurant of the castle , and the lake . Both are 5 minutes' walk from the site, and welcome you in a setting worthy of the greatest romantic authors. They are ranked three, and two stars respectively.

The municipal campsite is less than 5min by car, or 20min by foot. It offers travellers comfortable pitches, or the rental of recently renovated mobile homes.

Within a radius of 10km you will find many Airbnb and charming hotels between Dinan and Dol de Bretagne as well as several villages-vacances.

So, what are you waiting for to visit the castle of Combourg?