Moncontour-de-Bretagne
Our family has always loved Moncontour as it was one of the numerous towns we explored on the first Christmas holidays we spent in France after buying our home. There's more to see and love about Moncontour-de-Bretagne than first meets the eye, so read on and find out more about this perfectly picturesque town in Brittany.
Perfectly Picturesque Moncontour-de-Bretagne
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Moncontour - A Most Beautiful Village of France
Moncontour - A Small Town of Character
In other words Moncontour is simply beautiful and has lots to see and do that will have you oohing and gushing.
The town was founded as long ago as the 11th century as part of the defences for nearby Lamballe, capital of Penthièvre. Moncontour is still encircled by its imposing 13th and 14th century ramparts and so the medieval atmosphere is still strong within the walled town. It is quite remarkable that the walls still stand given the town's tumultuous history.
Surviving Wars and the French Revolution
The town was involved in numerous clashes during the Middle Ages and even partly dismantled during the French Revolution by the order of Richelieu. You can still see however eleven of its original fifteen towers as well as the preserved Porte d'en-Haut and Saint Jean's postern.
Above is the Mairie (town hall) on rue de Bel Orient, 22510 with its pretty flower boxes. You can easily find the town hall as it's located in the town centre. Some of the half-timbered houses have motifs of fern leaves or Saint Andrew's crosses and many of the granite manor houses have sculptured pediments - all of which have their own story to tell.
From the 18th century until the Industrial Revolution Moncontour developed around the production of berlingue (canvas and linen cloth) and it was exported to South America and the Indies. It was a prosperous time and the granite and slate grand mansions, the town hall and Église Saint-Mathurin are reminders of this successful era.
The first photo shows Église Saint-Mathurin in the background and some of the towns unique signs. The signs were what immediately appealed to us as we walked the streets. They are great graphic representations of what the building is used for.
Highlights of Moncontour
Église Saint-Mathurin - 16th and 18th centuries. The 16th century stained glass windows are historically listed due to their design and quality.
Jardin d'Hildegarde - Open Sundays in summer this medieval vegetable and flower garden is interesting.
Théâtre du Costume - See details below.
Markets - Local produce is sold on Monday evenings.
Pentecost - The Pardon de Saint-Mathurin procession and other Pentecost festivities are held during this time annually.
Fête Médiévale - This medieval festival is held on the 1st Sunday in August on odd years.
Journée des Peintres - This painting contest is part of the Festival Dell Arte, with street art. It's held on the first weekend of September.
Théâtre du Costume
Pictured above is the Théâtre du Costume which has a permanent exhibition on knights in the Middle Ages and costumes from Louis XII (1498-1515) to 1900. When I took this photo above, the theatre was not open so I don't have a personal experience to recount, but I have read that is an interesting theatre with lots of models with costumes.
The theatre is at 13 rue du Dr Sagory, 22510 Moncontour.
Brittany has many charming villages and towns and you'll find more in our series on the Small Towns of Character.
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