In medieval times, the village of Moncontour became an important defensive position for the powerful north Breton lords of Penthièvre.

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n medieval times, Moncontour became an important defensive position for the powerful north Breton lords of Penthièvre. As such, the place proved a magnet for fighting down the centuries: in the 14th-century Breton War of Succession, in the 15th-century final conflict between Breton duchy and French state, and in the 16th-century Wars of Religion. When the ruling lord in the early 17th century sided against Louis XIII, the king ordered the dismantling of his fortified holdings. However, some of Moncontour’s ramparts have survived to this day. Then came the time of mercantile prosperity, as linen merchants from here managed to sell their wares far and wide, even to the Spanish. They were able to build fine town houses, and to embellish the church.

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Photo credit: © Roger Hollingsworth / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: beautiful, bretagne, breton, brittany, church, france, medieval, moncontour, penthievre, stairs, steps, village