Archaeologists discover 14th-century castle with a moat under hotel in France

A 14th-century medieval castle has been discovered under the courtyard of a historic hotel in France. Archaeologists also found a moat, jewellery, pots, pans and padlocks, which gave clues about the elite who used the fort for nearly a century.

The French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) excavated the courtyard cellars of the Lagorce Hotel in 2023. The hotel was built in the 18th century above the ruins of a medieval fort called Château de l'Hermine. Located in Vannes, the castle was built as a fortress and residence for John IV, Duke of Brittany, in 1381.

After the Vikings were expelled from the region, Brittany was a medieval feudal state from the 10th to the 16th centuries. A line of hereditary dukes ruled the Duchy of Brittany, essentially a tiny country.

John IV came to power in 1365. He built several house fortresses throughout Brittany. He made Château de l'Hermine the seat of the Duchy.

However, the castle only lasted for a century and fell into disrepair. John IV's grandson, Francis II, moved to the capital of the Duchy out of Vannes.

From the 18th to 20th centuries, several buildings were built above the castle like a hotel, a law school, and a government office. The exact plan of John IV's castle remained unknown until 2021. Archaeologists started unveiling its foundation in anticipation of turning the historic building into the new Museum of Fine Arts.

Archaeologists also found the ground floor of the residence during excavations in the old hotel's courtyard. They also found a tower overlooking an exterior moat. The castle was about 138 feet (42 metres) long and 56 feet (17 metres) wide, with walls up to 18 feet (5.5 metres) thick. There were several staircases inside, including a ceremonial one, along with carved moulding and decorated door jambs.

The castle's architecture cleverly combined defensive functions with residential ones, the INRAP stated.

(With inputs from agencies)