Idée #732 – Visiting Jacques Cartier’s mansion in Limoëlou
The manor of Limoëlou, in the town of Saint-Malo, and is the only legacy of Jacques Cartier. The latter explored Canada in 1534, and opened the North American continent to France by way of the St. Lawrence River. In 1541, Jacques Cartier bought a farm built the previous century on the heights of Rothéneuf. He will transform it into a summer residence, adding a floor and a circular staircase tower to the facade. He also fitted out a bedroom from which he could see the sea. He died in this mansion in 1557.
During the 19th century, the manor, partially abandoned, became a farm again. In 1893, it was renamed “limoëlou”, this term meaning “bald mound” in Breton. The mansion is indeed on a height where trees are scarce, due to the wind. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1940. The mansion was bought and in 1984, for 450 years of exploration in Canada, and transformed into the Jacques-Cartier museum, after restoration. Most of the pieces have thus been able to regain their former function.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Manoir de Limoëlou, Saint Malo, Bretagne, France