BULL'S CASTLE
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Castle built in 1542 on the rocky islet of the Taureau, with several different roles, recommended for young and old
The only fort in Brittany at sea, the Château du Taureau was built in 1542 on the rocky islet of Le Taureau to protect the bay of Morlaix and to ward off enemy invasions. The city of Morlaix was then rich and coveted, with a strategic location at the mouth of the English Channel. As a commercial power linked to England, Holland and the Iberian countries, a fort was needed to protect it. In 1544, it could accommodate a garrison of 30 men. But this first fort, about which little is known, was not strong enough. At the request of Louis XIV, Vauban began major restoration work at the beginning of the 18th century. Other works were continued in the following centuries and the fort was notably equipped with artillery pieces. It became a state prison in 1721, accommodating illustrious prisoners including the Communard Louis Auguste Blanqui, who was the last to stay there in 1871. The fort was classified as a historical monument in 1914. It returned to civilian use in 1960 and was used as a base for a sailing school until 1980, before being abandoned. It will then be necessary to deploy monumental energy to carry out the necessary work. Reopened to the public since 2006, it is now overrun by visitors curious about its history. The crossings are made from the slipways of Carantec and Plougasnou: it takes about 15 and 45 minutes respectively to reach the castle. A visit is recommended for young and old alike.
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