Discover | Castle and Gardens
Château de Combourg
At the Château de Combourg, a thousand years of history lives on but it is under threat. This medieval fortress, a family-owned estate, was the childhood home of François-René de Chateaubriand, a founder of French Romanticism. In the 19th century, it was remodeled in the Neo-Gothic style, creating the distinctive interiors. Today, the château is owned by Guy de la Tour du Pin Verclause, a descendant of the Chateaubriand family. For years, he and his wife, Summer, have welcomed visitors and overseen restoration work every winter. The 62-acre English-style park hosts medieval markets, jousting tournaments, dance festivals, plant fairs, Halloween cele- brations, and European Heritage Days. “We want people to experience the château, not simply admire it from afar.” Yet a quieter battle is being fought within its walls: dry rot is spreading through the structure. “We have never faced anything so serious. It’s like a cancer if you don’t treat it at the source, it spreads,” says Guy. Wooden beams, floors, and entire towers must be rebuilt. Even Chateaubriand’s childhood bedroom has been affected. The project, estimated at several million euros, comes as public funding becomes increasingly scarce. “We’re trying to cope, but we can’t do it alone.” Seeking support from private foundations has become part of the owners’ strategy. Despite attracting 60,000 visitors a year, the château’s finances remain fragile. It is open only seven months of the year, with the remaining five devoted to restoration work. Preserving the Château de Combourg is about far more than profitability: it helps sustain the region’s cultural heritage, keeps the château alive, and supports jobs in tourism, heritage conservation, and traditional crafts. More than ever, its future depends on the support of all who value this shared legacy.
23 Rue des Princes 35270 Combourg
