Josselin is a commune in the Morbihan department in Brittany in north-western France and is classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (small town of character). The town is absolutely charming with a huge stone walled château, half timbered buildings, pretty river with boats to hire and great cafes and boutiques to explore. Josselin welcomes thousands of visitors every year and it’s easy to see why.
Exploring Josselin on a warm summer’s day with friends is one of my happy memories and in this post I’ll share what I think are the top 5 things to do and see in Josselin and why this town qualifies as a Petite Cité de Caractère of Brittany. I loved Château de Josselin, the Musée de Poupées (museum of dolls), walking along the river and eating lunch in the town square.
Top 5 Things To Do in Josselin
The storybook village of Josselin lies on the banks of the River Oust, 43km northeast of Vannes, in the shadow of an enormous, cone-turreted 14th-century castle that was the long-time seat of the counts of Rohan. Today, visitors in their thousands continue to fall under its spell. The little town’s heart is Place Notre Dame, a beautiful square of 16th-century half-timbered houses.
Josselin, A Petite Cité de Caractère
Brief history of the town Josselin
Josselin was founded in the 11th century by the Viscount of Porhoët on a rocky outcrop. It was chosen because it was close to the three priories of Sainte Croix, Saint Martin and Saint Nicolas. The Château was destroyed by Plantagenet king Henry II (of England) in 1168, but was rebuilt in stone at the end of the 12th century when the design was also expanded from the original. The town was protected by its surrounding ramparts and it continued to prosper particularly during the 15th to 18th centuries. Its prosperity was attributed to its tanneries, fairs and the manufacture of sheets.
Waxing and waning over the next two centuries, Josselin is now prospering with tourism and residents who enjoy the architectural heritage and contemporary lifestyle that their town offers.
To be approved as a Petite Cité de Caractère, by the Association Petites Cites de Caractere de Bretagne, the town "must protect, restore, promote and present their potential. All of them must meet the primary criteria, namely having urban origins and heritage of the highest quality" - Association Petites Cites de Caractere de Bretagne.
Josselin has a rich history and works hard at highlighting its unique character and being relevant today. To learn more about this Association and qualifying towns read our post Petites Cités de Caractère, Brittany.
Front courtyard of Josselin Château
Josselin Château garden
Tour Château de Josselin and its gardens
Josselin's Château, which has been in the Rohan family on and off for centuries, is still owned by the only remaining branch of the Rohan family and is well known for being one of the most imposing granite castles in France. What also attracts many enthusiasts is the fact that the Château has also two distinctive types of architecture. On one side of the Château facing the Oust River, the Château looks medieval with many medieval architectural features displayed, and on the other side, the Château has the appearance of a pleasure residence with its flamboyant late Gothic decoration.
The Château is open to the public from April to October with access to many areas including the 19th-century dining room, drawing room with its impressive 16th century fireplace and library housing more than 3,000 volumes dating from the 17th century.
Set in beautiful French style gardens with vast lawns and low hedges the Château is visited by many just for its gardens. The rose garden has at least 40 different species displayed. If you plan to visit the castle on 14th July, you will also be able to participate in the Medieval Festival which is held on this day each year.
Château de Josselin address: Place de la Congrégation, 56120 Josselin, France
Visit Basilique Notre Dame du Roncier
The Basilique Notre Dame du Roncier was constructed over time, with parts, like the Romanesque pillars dating from the 12th century. There are plenty of fierce looking gargoyles, stained glass from the 15th and 16th centuries that create beautiful and colourful light along the south aisle, and there is a 17th century organ that still gets played today.
The most modern part of the Basilique is the 60m tower that was only built in 1949. This modern tower is open to the public and can be climbed for free. You’ll need to enter the tower by the door off Place de la Mairie.
Basilique Notre Dame du Roncier address: rue Olivier de Clisson, 56120 Josselin, France
Walk through Bois d'Amour (Lover's Wood)
This pretty wooded area has paths, little creeks and a lake to enjoy. Suited for walking or bike riding it's a popular place for the locals to spend a warm afternoon or take a brisk winter or autumn walk.
Chemin de Talva is the main path through the wood and winds throughout the park.
Attend market day in Josselin
Saturday is market day in Josselin and it's a popular market well supported by the locals and visiting tourists. The market runs from 8.00am to 1.00pm and is held each Saturday.
The streets in the city centre are closed to traffic and quite literally the stall holders and market goers take over the streets. The market goes down the hill toward the Château and towards Canal de Nantes à Brest (which is an off shoot of the River Oust), and has stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, homewares, clothes, hot roast chickens, plants and Breton cider. Grab your basket, cash and appetite and enjoy this classic French market in Josselin.
Marché de Josselin address: rue Olivier de Clisson, 56120 Josselin, France
Visit Musée de Poupées (Doll Museum)
For kids and adults you can't go past the doll museum at Josselin. It's in the grounds of the Château in what was the stable block and have been popular since it opened in 1984.
You might wonder how so many dolls came to make up the collection of over 3,000 dolls and around 2,000 other items including children's toys and books, and the answer is simply that the current owner's great grandmother started the collection. Since she started collecting in the 19th century, more has continuously been added and with a different exhibition put on each summer by the museum, it is one of Josselin's top 5 things to do and see.
Musée de Poupées address: 3 Rue des Trente, 56120 Josselin, France
View of rue des Trente Street with street sign to Musée de Poupées
More Small Towns of Character in Brittany
So there you have my top 5 things to see and do in Josselin and a little history of the town and why it's included as one of Brittany's small towns of character. If unique towns, interesting history and travel tips interests you, then you might like to read our other posts below of more Petites Cités de Caractère.
Bazouges la Perouse - is a Gallo-Roman fortified town in the Ille-et-Vilaine department
Bécherel - The Book Lover's Town - the first town explored in our Small Towns of Character series and my favourite
Châteaugiron and Châtelaudren - two towns with similar names but one with a fairytale history of knights and kings and the other a nonsense history of defence and commerce
Combourg - the hometown of François René de Chateaubriand, France's most romantic poet
Pontriuex and Pont-Croix - the flower filled town famous for its lavoirs (bath houses)
Pin to read again later or share with friends
