Moncontour is a small, walled, hilltop town south of St Brieuc in northern Brittany. The town originally belonged to the Counts of Penthièvre, a holding in the gift of the Kingdom of Brittany. The first Count of Penthièvre was Odo, or Eozon, the brother of the Duke of Brittany and an extraordinary man. He trained men to fight with William the Conqueror, one son (Alan Rufus) became the first Earl of Richmond, and apparently the current British Royal Family can trace a link to another of his sons!
The walls were dismantled in the 17C on the order of the King when the current Count of Penthièvre sided against him; today only fragments remain.
The town has many fine houses, built on the gains of the linen trade.
The Church of St Mathurin is 16C, with a Baroque façade. The stained glass windows of the 16C are wonderful.
This is a charming small town – do visit if you are in this part of Brittany!
Further information
The History of Moncontour – excellent
The Pardon of St Mathurin
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