Holiday hideaway and watersports centre

Disarmed in 1890, the Château had no official role as the 1900s began. It was abandoned and left to the elements, apparently forgotten. However, this imposing silhouette continued to make a lasting impression and finally in 1914 it was recognized as an Historic Monument, but its heavy doors remained firmly closed: no visitors came, and the Château kept its closely-guarded secrets.

It wasn’t until 1930 that the breath of life came to Taureau again, when the Vilmorin family signed a contract to rent the Château du Taureau from the state for 9 years. Suddenly, this formidable fortress became the unlikely setting for a terribly chic holiday hideaway, and its incredible architecture made up for its rather Spartan facilities. After this happy interlude of parties and fun, war was declared and the Château was taken over by German forces: once again, it went into battle.

When peace returned to Europe, the fortress was forgotten again, until 1960 when the local watersports club fixed their sights upon it. The Deputy Mayor of Morlaix - Dr Leduc - arranged for the town to rent the Château from the state, carry out renovations and use it as a base for their sailing school.

At one point, the sailing school was teaching 250 people at a time, with 150 of these staying in the Château. It became one of France’s top sailing schools, second only to Les Glénans. Unfortunately, the maintenance costs were too high and the sailing school closed in 1980, and it was then only used occasionally by divers with official permission.

Take a look at some photos of Taureau from its days as a Sailing School on this website.

Photo : La Poterne du Château du Taureau