The sentries are keeping watch at Kergroadez-en-Brélès, a stone fortress on the north-western tip of Finistère. The King’s messenger brings a message. Disaster has struck! The marchioness is in danger and is being held prisoner. Dressed as princesses or knights, kids aged 5 to 10 set off on their assignment without their parents to release her from the abductors’ clutches. Hunting for clues that have been planted in the halls of the castle, they have to liberate the marchioness as quickly as possible. Inside the building there’s a secret room where the whole family can try to find the solution to escape games. In ‘The Poisoning of the Marquis’ you have to go and find the antidote that will save him. In ‘The Curse of the Pirate’, the treasure has vanished! A stroll in the gardens reveals unusual corners, with a green maze, the Prairie des Chevelus and the medieval washhouse.

Just 30 km from the Mont-Saint-Michel, there’s excitement in store for the whole family at the Château Le Rocher Portail. For the kids, there’s a treasure hunt, the mystery of the secret passage, and dressing up for the guided tours. From the unparalleled Renaissance gallery to the harness room, everyone can picture the life of the nobles and servants to background music reminiscent of ‘Downton Abbey’. You’ll pass through 12 furnished rooms, from the servants’ quarters to the cabinet of curiosities, not forgetting your stop-off at the castle’s tearoom to sample local products. In the grounds of the estate, take advantage of the picnic areas and do some more exploration, with a tour of the stables and the exhibition of photographs showing the family in the 19th century.

The sea breezes blow around Château de Suscinio, in Sarzeau, in the Morbihan. There’s panic in the air as well, and the family is caught up in a hectic visit lasting for 1hr 30mins. Be warned! Nothing’s ready for the imminent arrival of the Duchess, Anne de Bretagne, and her court; your job is to help with the arrangements for the occasion. You will be cast in the role of various characters from the Middle Ages, and you’ll have lots of fun getting into the daily routine of this period. Dressed as Dukes and Duchesses, the little ones try their hand at mediaeval games. On the third floor, you’ll learn about and reproduce the motifs and patterns of medieval paving. Make one last stop on the curtain wall to enjoy the view of the Gulf of Morbihan, and the gates of this former residence of the Dukes of Brittany are closing.

Welcome to the Year 1000 at Château de Fougères, overlooking the medieval town. There are films to watch, a tactile display, audio-guides for kids… your tour includes lots of tools and historical tableaux. In the museography space, your little knights in shining armour between the ages of 6 and 12 can put on Paladin helmets to watch reconstructions of medieval life. There are also puzzle books with a key, just waiting to be solved. Making your way as a family from the Mélusine Tower to the Surienne Tower, then on to the medieval market, you‘ll uncover the secrets of this fortress that guards the gateway to Brittany.