The Restoration of the Château de Combourg

Classified as a Historic Monument, the Château de Combourg is a privately owned property that requires constant upkeep to preserve its grandeur and history.

Fully restored in 1875 after nearly 80 years of abandonment, under the direction of architect Ernest Trilhe, who was inspired by the renowned Viollet-le-Duc, the château continues to undergo extensive restoration campaigns to this day.

Since 1996 — the first restorations in 121 years — the owners have undertaken significant work each year, with the support of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs and the Region, to ensure the preservation of this exceptional heritage. These efforts help offer the 50,000 annual visitors an increasingly authentic and vibrant site.

Key stages of the restoration:

1996 – 2016
Major work on the roofs, frameworks, and chimneys.

Interior restoration of rooms and wall paintings, entrusted to artisan Gilles Plagnet and his team:

2017 - 2018: Former inner courtyard (1st and 2nd floors)

2019: Vaulted entrance hall

2020: Dining room (first part – former Guards’ Hall)

2021: Grand salon (second part – former Guards’ Hall), Office of René-Auguste de Chateaubriand (first part)

2022: Château chapel (where Julie and Marie-Anne de Chateaubriand were married), Office of René-Auguste (second part), Waterproofing of the southern and western ramparts

2023: Hermine Salon

2024: Diagnostic studies in preparation for restoring the façades and roofs. Restoration of the library

2025: Continuation of diagnostic studies, refurbishment work, and re-stoning around the château

Committed to passing on this jewel of heritage in the best possible condition to future generations, the owning family continues this preservation effort with passion and determination. Your visit directly contributes to keeping this historic site alive.