Dol De Bretagne Hotels

Dol-de-Bretagne is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in Bretagne in northwestern France. Dol-de-Bretagne is reputed to be the origin of the royal House of Stuart who became the monarchs of Scotland and later the United Kingdom and there is a plaque in Dol commemorating that. In fact the Stuarts descend from the Fitzalan family, one of whom became the Seneschal of the Count of Dol and his son, Flaad Fitzalan, arrived in Britain in the army of William the Conqueror. Flaad's grandson, Walter Fitzalan, was appointed the Ist Steward of Scotland by David I of Scotland. Malcolm IV of Scotland later confirmed the honour bestowed by David and made the office of Steward of Scotland hereditary in Walter's family. Dol de Bretagne is in Brittany, 30 kilometres west of Mont St Michel. Dol de Bretagne is a very attractive medieval town. (The picture above is 100 years old - little has changed in the high street since, except cars!) In the old town the 12th century cathedral of Saint Samson will first catch your eye. It is very large given the size of the town. This is because Dol de Bretagne was an important bishopric in days gone by. Dol de Bretagne is even reputed to be the origin of the Royal House of Stuart, the future kings of Scotland. Wandering south of the cathedral you enter the streets of the old town. The main ones are the Grande Rue des Stuarts and Rue Lejamtel. Along here are lots of beautiful half-timber houses and architecture dating from the 11th century onwards. Indeed the 11th century building, Les Petits Palets, is the oldest stone built house in France.