Rochefort-En-Terre

About

Developed around a 12th century castle on a rocky promontory, Rochefort-en-Terre has been awarded the name of one of France’s most beautiful villages, and the nation’s most prestigious 4* Ville Fleurie for the bounty of flowers that line its cobbled streets. The town’s 12th century church, built from dark granite, was renovated in the 16th century in the Flamboyant Gothic style, giving it an interesting facade. The interior reflects the different stages of its history with medieval artwork being illuminated by 20th century stained glass. The original 12th century castle was badly damaged in the 1800s, but in 1907, it was purchased and rebuilt by the American painter Alfred Klotz. Today, the chateau is closed to the public, but one of the outbuildings houses the fantastical Naia museum, named after the witch who once lived in the town, which houses an exhibition of unusual fantasy and sci-fi inspired sculptures.