Brocéliande is the remnant of a vast primeval forest, which in the first centuries AD covered the interior of Brittany stretching from Rennes to Rostrenen. It is the source of many legends and stories involving characters already familiar to us in the stories surrounding King Arthur.
Sir Lancelot was said to have been raised there by Viviane, the Lady of the Lake who kidnapped him as a young child. Another well-known inhabitant was Merlin the Magician. Merlin, a Druid, was friend and advisor to the young King Arthur. The fountain of Barenton where Merlin first encountered the enchantress Viviane, boils, whilst remaining cold.
Merlin because of his love, built for her a crystal citadel beneath the lake at Concoret and today the lake reflects the image of the Château of Comper. Viviane finally imprisoned Merlin in nine magical circles in order to be with him forever.
Today it is possible to visit Merlin's tomb, which forms part of an alignment of standing stones. The forest also contains the beautiful Golden Tree and megaliths dating back to 3000 BC. There are many walks with guides available, to tell the stories.
To celebrate this whole mythical area the city of Rennes has put on the first ever, major exhibition of the Legend of King Arthur, which is being held in the main cultural centre of the city, the Champs Libres, until 4 January 2009.
Over 200 works are on display, all linked to the adventures of Arthur and his knights. Many historical and iconographic documents such manuscripts, rare books, paintings, pieces of art and films are shown, all of which illustrate the cultural influence of Arthurian legends.
Children can sit down, put on earphones and listen to different narrators reading the fabulous tales in English, German and of course French.
A highlight of the exhibition is one of the oldest illuminated manuscripts telling the story of the Round Table. The last room addresses the issues relating to the myths’ survival.
Centre de l’Imaginaire Arthurien, Château de Comper en Brocéliande
56430 Concoret tel: +33 (0)2 97 22 79 96
King Arthur Exhibition
Opening hours:
Tuesday from 12 to 21h , Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 12 to 19h,
Saturday and Sunday 14h-19h
Closed Mondays and holidays
5 Euros - free for children under eight years.