"Les Bains de la Reine", in Guémené-sur-Scorff, a sauna from the Middle Ages!
The Middle Ages are often seen as the dirtiest period in history, but in Guémené-sur-Scorff, "Les Bains de la Reine", a private steam room dating from the 14th century, seems to prove the contrary...
A medieval drying oven unique in Brittany
A private steam room dating from 1380
As you enter themuseum area of the Bains de la Reine in Guémené, you come face to face with a strange little stone building with rounded shapes. Mind you, it's not a bread oven, even though it was very hot inside!
But then, what is it?
In fact, you're looking at a real nugget: a 14th century oven ! Designed using an underfloor heating system inherited from the Roman thermal baths, it has all the features of a sauna or hammam. So, in the Middle Ages, people took steam baths at the Château de Guémené... well, "people", just the lords. Today, only the steam room is visible, but we know that a heating room and probably a bathroom were attached to it.
There are currently only two other such well-preserved ovens from this period in France.
But who could afford such a luxury?
The Rohans, a prestigious family
The Rohans are one of Brittany's most illustrious families. Jean 1st de Rohan married a princess for the second time... Jeanne de Navarre was the daughter, granddaughter and sister of a king! The bride's fortune was therefore considerable. In 1377, the couple bought the Kemenet Guegant (fief of Lord Guégant), which later became known as Guémené.Fortunate and concerned for their well-being, they carried out work to extend the fortress and had the famous baths built in 1380. Their comfort was not the only benefit of this work. With these improvements and the construction of the steam room, they openly displayed their wealth and power for all to see.
The astonishing story of a fantastic journey
The "Queen's Baths" were built in Guémené in the 14th century. But curiously, in the 20th century, they left the commune for the town of Vitré in Ille-et-Vilaine. They returned to Guémené after an absence ofmore than 70 years...
Why did they leave? How were they moved? What happened to them during all that time? If you want to discover the fabulous story of this return trip, visit the "Bains de la Reine" in Guémené-sur-Scorff, where you'll find the answers to these questions and more information about this most incredible adventure!
A small museum to find out all about hygiene in the Middle Ages
The "Bains de la Reine" are housed in a former car garage. Here you'll find explanatory panels on the history of Guémené, its castle and the lords who lived there. But above all, it's an opportunity to learn a lot about a subject that's rarely mentioned:hygiene in the Middle Ages!
The model of Guémené castle
A visit to Guémené-sur-Scorff reveals that very little remains of the castle. In the museum area, a scale model shows just how important the fortress was. Different colours indicate the existing remains, the parts of the castle that are known but have unfortunately disappeared, and the parts about which no information is available and which had to be imagined. You can also see theoriginal location of the baths.
Would you like to find out more about the construction and development of this stately home over the centuries? Look no further, you've come to the right place!
The cosmetics room and its scouring recipes
What were the criteria for beauty in the Middle Ages? Did women have to be blonde, brunette, redheaded, rather tanned or not at all, slim or round? Did they pay a lot of attention to their appearance?
At the time, people were very concerned about their bodies. And cosmetic treatments already existed! Today, some of these recipes send shivers down our spines... Hair removal with lime or arsenic is just one example. Want to give it a try?
If you'd like to find out more about body care, a small room dedicated to cosmetics in the Middle Ages will tell you all about the secrets that ladies used to seduce their friends.
A fascinating film about hygiene in the Middle Ages
If you're one of those people who think thathygiene was unheard of in the Middle Ages, you're probably thinking that a film on the subject probably won't last much longer than a commercial! And yet, the Middle Ages were far from the era of "filth" as it is often portrayed.
In 15 minutes, this film combats preconceived ideas and rehabilitates our ancestors, with whom we are often too harsh. It's both instructive and funny.
