14th-Century Castle Discovered Beneath French Hotel

The excavation of Château de l'Hermine reveals advanced medieval architecture and a wealth of artifacts.

Archaeologists have discovered the remarkably preserved remains of the Château de l'Hermine, a 14th-century castle built by John IV the Conqueror, beneath a hotel in Vannes, France.
The excavation, conducted ahead of the construction of a new art museum, revealed the castle's advanced architecture, including several staircases, a ceremonial staircase, and a residential mill powered by a canal.
Artifacts found during the excavation include jewelry, clothing, shoe buckles, metal dishes, keys, padlocks, and coins, offering insights into the daily life of the castle's inhabitants.
The castle's construction demonstrated John IV's mastery of site management, showcasing the use of standardized modules and the best engineers and craftsmen of the time.
The discovery was made possible through excavations carried out between the spring and autumn of 2023, with plans to transform the site into a branch of the Museum of Fine Arts.