Looking for an ideal place for a family walk? We suggest you go discover the Kerguehennec estate. Nicknamed the little Breton Versailles, the castle of Kerguehennec has been a historical monument since 1988 and is currently owned by the Morbihan department.
Discovering a historical and architectural heritage
An exciting story to Kerguehennec.
It was the Hogguer brothers, two Swiss financiers who had the castle of Kerguehennec built by architect Delourme in 1710. The Count of Rohan acquired the estate in land of agricultural and forestry report. His son will have to separate himself after the revolution. In 1802 the Earl of Janze became the owner. His grandson sold it to Count Languinais in 1872. He rearranged the castle and called upon architect Ernest Thrilhe. The castle was organized in French on one side, and in English on the other. The daughter of the Count of Languinais inherited the property. Then in 1972, she sold it to the Morbihan department. In 1986, a sculpture garden was built on the estate. Today, there are about thirty. An art centre opened in 1988. Upstairs of the castle, since 2010, resides an exhibition dedicated to Pierre Tal Coat with 1200 works.
Discover the Kerguehennec estate
The small Breton Versailles has a 175 hectare park with a pond. Since the beginning of the eighteenth century, the castle has been renovated and modernized many times.
The commons have an important size by the agricultural function of the eighteenth century. In the western part, called the western common, there is the bakery, laundry room and the castle chapel at the end of the building. On the other side of this common is an ogival arcade in which the Hogguer weapons are carved in 1710. In the eastern part of the castle are the stables. There were also marble feeders, a saddlery and a car shed.
Transformed into a gardener's dwelling, the former dovecote was in front of the chapel of Saint Henri. What remains of the oldest of the estate is the well, dated the 12th century, it lies between the commons East and the sheepfold. The chapel of the Trinity in Kerguan, located east of the castle suffered during the revolution. Everything was ransacked, looted, kidnapped. In 1851, the owner of the estate, the Count of Janzé, rebuilt this chapel himself. It is at the same time that the fountain of the Trinity is being renovated. In the 20th century, it fell into ruins because of moisture. The Morbihan department buys it back in order to completely restore it.
One of the oldest remains of the castle is the hamlet of Kerguan. Located a few metres from the chapel, there are two houses that once had a barn and an old stable. The priest serving the chapel would probably have stayed in the small house. Today, it is a place of accommodation for artists.
There are many things to see in Kerguehennec. Indeed, next to the pond, is the Moulin du Roc dating from the 17th century. It consists of three wheels fed over and each driving a wheel.
During your visit to the castle, take the time to observe everything, the living room with its ceiling mouldings and fireplaces. Don't forget to go and admire the sumptuous and rare wooden library with its ladder.
And don't miss the beautiful kitchen, still in its juice. These jewels of Kerguehennec are the only remaining pieces of the original castle.
More than one domain, Kerguehennec is today the core of contemporary art.
Kerguehennec, is not simply a historical domain, it is today a place of visits, workshops and exhibitions. The department of Morbihan, convinced of the place of art and the success of each individual, makes this place a major focus based on artistic and cultural education. The team of the estate offers visitors who wish, a program of varied activities. Between art, nature and heritage. Kerguehennec offers you to meet the artists, visits to the Tal Coat collection and contemporary exhibitions.
The art of Kerguehennec
On the first floor of the castle you will see a museum of contemporary art, with eight rooms that allow to trace the 60 years of creation and research. This space is dedicated to the 1200 works of Pierre Tal Coat.
The park of the domain Kerguehennec is now known by his presentation of contemporary sculptures created in 1986. Much of the work is done for the estate park. This causes a parallel between landscape and art. If you want to discover these sculptures, different materials are available. First of all, we offer you a guide-plan of the sculpture park. Then there is free audio guide, literary wanderings. And finally, to download on the site, the routes « art and nature » with walks.
Exhibitions
We highlight different exhibitions each year. This year, from March 20th to May 29th, the exhibition of Manuela MARQUES for thehe fault lines, in the sheepfold and stable. It develops photographic works around the manifestations of natural, luminous, telluric and geological phenomena. This exhibition reveals his work. Each of his exhibitions shows an autonomous proposal by dialogue with others.
On the same dates, the line of Mica and drawing on Sheet de Léa BARBAZANGES is proposed. Presented in the sheepfold, you will be captured by the intense colors or strange calligraphy offer to you. There is also the drawing on Sheet on the moving print of penmmatophores. They highlight the plant, mineral and animal world.
The field of Kerguehennec presents from June 26 to November 6, 2022, three exhibitions between contemporary artistic creation and heritage. Called lSilver madness, you will go back to the eighteenth century to approach magnificent goldsmith's pieces. For the first time in Kerguehennec, we reveal rare pieces in silverware. This first exhibition takes place in the reception rooms of the castle. For the second exhibition, the works of Marc Didou entitled feedback, are presented in stables and sheepfold. They enter the visitor on a journey halfway between reality and illusion, but the perception changes with François Réau's drawings sky, big, full of splendid restraint, which evoke the memory of history and places. This last exhibition takes place in the sheepfold and in the chapel; For these three exhibitions, access is free and free.
Shows and events in Kerguehennec
Come and enjoy a unique experience during this spring in the landscaped park and the French garden. On the programme: relaxation, walking, workshops, screening of film excerpts and sports; This year's ambition was to completely reflower the edge of the castle. These harmonious floral compositions make it possible to revive French history. This project is a source of wonder for all.
You will not be disappointed by this cultural and artistic excursion to the domain of Kerguehennec. You can come whenever you want, access is free and free throughout the year.
An iconic site near the Domaine des Camélias
During your stay At Domaine des Camélias, think of taking a day to go to this mythical place close to your B & B and house.
Back to the estate, you can rest in the Park to our pool.
Béatrice's advice will guide you to choose the destinations to take and the visits to be made. Don't hesitate to ask him!
Do not hesitate to consult the page Facebook and Pinterest At Domaine des Camélias to learn more!