On the heights of Concarneau, a stone’s throw from the Ville-Close, lies the Château de Kériolet. This 13th-century jewel traces the atypical destinies of Princess Zénaïde Narischkine and her husband Count Charles de Chauveau, who gave the château an atypical makeover. Discover this place of history and wonder during your weekend or week in Concarneau at our 5-star campsite Concarneau Le Cabellou Plage.
The history of Château de Kériolet
Originally, the 13th-century manor house of Kériolet was located in Beuzeq-Conq, which became part of Concarneau in 1945.
In 1861, the Russian imperial princess Princess Zénaïde Narischkine Youssoupoff and her husband Count Charles de Chauveau acquired this residence. Although 20 years her senior, the princess was won over by this commoner, from whom she bought two titles of nobility to further her political ambitions. He became Comte de Chaeau and Marquis de Serre.
The diocesan architect Joseph Bigot was commissioned to redesign the Château de Kériolet, and was given the task of enveloping the château in a new neo-Gothic facade, at the request of the princess for her young husband.
The count died of a heart attack in 1889, and the princess did not remain at Kériolet, but moved to her private mansion in Boulogne-Billancourt, where she died in 1893, aged over 90.
Over the course of the 20th century, Château de Kériolet had several owners, including the princess’s great-grandson Felix Youssoupov, famous for his involvement in the assassination of Rasputin. He neglected the château, which was later abandoned. A storm in 1897 even blew the roof off.
In 1984, Château de Kériolet was listed as a Monument Historique.
And in 1987, Christophe Lévêque, a Parisian with a passion for old stones, set himself the task of raising the château from the ashes. Restoration of Château de Kériolet began in 1988, with the aim of making it a welcoming place to live.
A visit to the Château de Kériolet
During a visit to the Château de Kériolet, you can relive a wild Russian epic in Brittany, through the rooms inhabited by the princess and the Count de Chauveau. From the Salle des Gardes, where grand receptions were held, through the kitchen and dining room, to the salle d’armes, where you can discover the princess’s fabulous collection of objets d’art, you’ll relive the comfortable existence of this unusual couple.
Outside the château, you can also admire the south facade, decorated with Breton symbols and the granite statue of Anne de Bretagne. This façade overlooks the sea, offering a sublime panorama stretching as far as Les Glénans.
La Salle des Gardes
The Salle des Gardes at Château de Kériolet was used as a ballroom for grand receptions given by the princess. It features a Kersanton stone fireplace, a listed work of art. Above the mantelpiece is a sculpture depicting the Count with his family tree linking him to the French aristocracy. There are also four stained-glass windows depicting the Count in various situations.
The Arms Room
As its name suggests, this room was once used to store weapons. Today, the Salle d’Armes has been restored in the original medieval style, and houses a 16th-century church pew that blends perfectly with the ambience of the room.
The salon
This was the princess’s favorite room. Facing south, it was naturally warm. The princess stored all her collections here: china, tapestries, earthenware and more.
The dining room
The dining room has been completely restored and is decorated in a very Breton style, with its ceiling adorned with fleur-de-lys and ermine paws.
The kitchen
The kitchen was lucky enough to be spared from looters. Its walls are covered with Desvres earthenware, each tile hand-painted.
The inner courtyard
The interior courtyard of Château de Kériolet perfectly reflects the whimsical character of the princess. The west wing is medieval, part of the north wing is Renaissance, and in the Salle des Gardes, the eclectic neo-Gothic style comes into its own.
The crypt
The crypt serves as a boiler room. Thanks to three stoves, the château was already equipped with an underfloor heating system.
Rates, opening hours and practical information
The Château de Kériolet can be visited from the 2nd week of June to the 3rd week of September inclusive, every day except Saturday, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
Please note that the last tours depart at 12.20pm and 5.20pm.
Prices range from €4 to €7, and admission is free for children under 7.
For further information, visit the official website: https: //www.chateaudekeriolet.com/
