Discover | Castle and Gardens
Château de Combourg
CHÂTEAU DE COMBOURG
THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROMANTICISM
Behind the gates of Château de Combourg, a thousand years of history unfold, most famously shaped by François-René de Chateaubriand, the father of Romanticism, who spent his childhood within its walls. From the heights of its medieval ramparts to the grandeur of 19th-century neo-Gothic rooms, this château—designated a Historic Monument—offers an immersive journey through legend, Romanticism, living memory, and celebration.
Begin your visit at the Voyageur Café, a moody, literary space offering coffee, pastries, curated gifts, and rotating exhibits. Designed by La Maison Générale’s Dominique Tosiani, it sets the tone with its “dark academia” aesthetic. A highlight of the 2025 season is Médiévalisme, a stunning photography series by Julien Danielo that reimagines Breton legends— Tristan and Isolde, Morgan the Fairy, Excalibur—in cinematic, haunting detail.
For the past 15 years, Guy de La Tour du Pin Verclause—a direct descendant of Chateaubriand’s brother—and his wife Summer have infused the ancient stronghold with artistic, contemporary, and festive energy. Set in a 25-hectare English-style park, the estate hosts lively events year-round: medieval markets, dance festivals, plant fairs, jousting tournaments, concerts, Halloween festivities...all play a part in defining Combourg’s unique character: popular yet never ordinary, accessible yet never compromising its noble heritage.
A nobility that reveals itself through guided tours only. “We want visitors to put down their phones, to listen, to engage with our guides, to let themselves be swept up in the stories—to shiver, to be moved,” says Guy. And the emotion is real, tangible—from the small chapel to the ramparts, from the writer's austere bedroom to the opulent rooms on the first floor. Entirely reimagined in a neo-Gothic style inspired by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, this section has just been brought back to life after seven years of meticulous restoration. Behind the scenes, the château’s vitality depends on tireless upkeep and off-season restorations, supported by public partners and sustained by its own revenue. Thus, Combourg continues to inspire, and remains not just a monument, but a living chapter of French heritage.
To discover upcoming events and exhibits, visit the Château de Combourg’s website or follow along on social media.
23 Rue des Princes 35270 Combourg
