What is a motte in medieval archaeology?

A motte is an artificial or partly natural earthen mound, generally defended by a ditch and palisaded enclosure, serving as the base for a fortification. Pommerit's motte dates from the central Middle Ages and overlooks the Trieux valley.

Can one reach the summit platform?

The platform remains intact and accessible, but the site is not developed for visits; the 10-metre climb is over natural terrain without guaranteed steps or marked pathways.

Is there a visible ditch around the motte?

No ditch is currently observable, but archaeological records suggest one likely existed and became filled over time.

Motte of the moulin of Pommerit

Pommerit-le-Vicomte

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Pommerit-le-Vicomte

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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Motte du moulin de Pommerit stands in Pommerit-le-Vicomte (Côtes-d'Armor), in the Bretagne region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: Milieu du Middle Ages). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The motte of Pommerit Mill is a medieval fortification set on a promontory overlooking the Trieux valley. It comprises an earthen mound of oval form, reinforced at its base by a facing of large stone blocks, and an adjoining enclosure. The summit platform remains well preserved, bearing witness to more than eight centuries of military history in Brittany.

What to know

The site can be visited freely outdoors; there is no building to explore or staffed reception.
The mound measures 55 metres long by 35 metres wide and rises 10 metres high, requiring a notable climb to reach the summit platform.
No ditch is visible today around the mound, although one may have existed before being filled in over the centuries.
The site occupies a wooded or agricultural plot; there are no permanent tourist facilities.

Where this château is

Pommerit-le-Vicomte · Côtes-d'Armor · Bretagne

Map of the area around Motte du moulin de Pommerit

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Pommerit-le-Vicomte, Côtes-d'Armor

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00135354
Period of construction: Milieu du Middle Ages

Frequently asked

What is a motte in medieval archaeology?: A motte is an artificial or partly natural earthen mound, generally defended by a ditch and palisaded enclosure, serving as the base for a fortification. Pommerit's motte dates from the central Middle Ages and overlooks the Trieux valley.
Can one reach the summit platform?: The platform remains intact and accessible, but the site is not developed for visits; the 10-metre climb is over natural terrain without guaranteed steps or marked pathways.
Is there a visible ditch around the motte?: No ditch is currently observable, but archaeological records suggest one likely existed and became filled over time.