Description:

Josselin grew up around a 4th century chapel said to be founded by Saint Meriadek.  The town was originally the dynastic home of the noble Rohan family throughout the middle ages.

Today Josselin is a small and vibrant medieval town which is known for having a unique blend of the ancient and modern with half timered medieval houses aloingside elegant grey granite town houses.  The town is overlooked by the 11th century Chateau Josselin which is perched on a granite rock above the town.

Josselin has been awarded the title 'Petite Cite de Caractere' which means the little city of character.

Josselin is in the centre of the department of Morbihan and covers an area of 4.48 km².  The town is one of the 10 cantons of Pontivy.

The River Oust, part of the picturesque Nantes Brest Canal runs through the town.

There is a market in the centre of Josselin every Saturday.  Josselin also has a grocery store, two bakeries, a butchers, a tabac and a womens clothes shop.  There are also two bookstores, one of which specialises in English books.

For all other groceries there is a Super U and a Carrefour supermarket in the village.  For clothes shopping and larger chains visit Ploermel which is only 11 km away.

Josselin has two Ecoles Primaires et Maternelles, two Colleges and a Lycee.

Josselin has a post office, several hair salons, two garages, a vets, three banks, two pharmacies, an optician and a small library.   The town has two doctors, a dentist practice and a hospital clinic.  The nearest Ophthalmologist is 11 km away in Ploermel.

For entertainment there are lots of restaurants, creperies and Cafe Bistros, many of which overlook the historic Basilica de Notre Dame.  Josselin also has a cinema. 

Josselin has a central hotel as well as lots of camping, Chambre d’Hotes and Gite accommodation options in the area.

Josselins nearest coastal beach 70 km away at Carnac, however, there is a popular man made lakeside beach and watersports at Ploermel which is just 12 km away.

During July and August Josselin is home to lots of outdoor shows such as the Festiv'ete which is free every Wednesday night as well as exhibitions and concerts in locations all over the town.  The highlight of the year is the Festival Medieval which takes place on Bastille Day (14th July) each year and celebrates the towns historic past  with virtually the whole town dressed up in period costume.

Between April and September visitors can take a guided tour, in English or French, of Chateau Josselin which was originally constructed in wood around 1000 AD.  The castle was restored in the 19th century but unfortunately only five of the original nine towers remain, the rest destroyed in 1629.

Worth a visit:

• Look around the beautiful Basilique Notre Dame du Roncier (our Lady of the Brambles) with unusual architecture, gargoyles and amazing views from the top of the tower.  The Basilica contains the tomb of Olivier de Clisson who was known as 'The Butcher' for his reputation for chopping the limbs off English soldiers in battle
• Visit the town postcard museum which exhibits a collection of cards picturing traditional life in Brittany
• Take a guided tour of the town available from the tourist office
• If you visit the castle pop into the converted stables opposite which house the Musée de la Poupee (Doll's Museum) with over 500 antique dolls and dolls furniture

Josselin has an active association scene with other 70 organisations for both culture and sports activities.

Along the Nantes Brest canal walking, fishing, cycling and kayaking are popular.