Guided by its passion for historical and architectural heritage and its concern for its preservation, the Mercure group has also supported the Vieilles Maisons Françaises heritage protection association since 2003, when it created the Mercure-VMF group award to reward commitment to the successful restoration of a characterful residence. For the 19th consecutive year of the VMF prize, the Mercure-VMF 2021 prize was awarded to a monument of great historical importance for the Brittany region.
Mercure-VMF 2021 Award: Château de Montmuran
An imposing fortress built in the 10th century to protect the lands of the Duke of Brittany’s sister, Château de Montmuran dominates the Iffs countryside halfway between Rennes and Dinan. With its rich history, Montmuran belonged to Bertrand du Guesclin, who was knighted on the site of today’s chapel, and underwent various episodes of construction and deconstruction before becoming the property of the de La Villéon family in 1886. Listed as a Historic Monument since 2003, and its outbuildings since 2000, Montmuran is a fine story of transmission in which each generation contributes its stone to the edifice. The La Villéons consider themselves to be mere “custodians”, and for the past 8 years have brought the château to life through tours of the 14th and 15th-century sections and the organization of events in the 18th-century Orangerie. The Groupe Mercure – VMF Prize recognizes their commitment and supports the major project to restore the northern part of the château, including the roof and framework.
