Fire at the Manoir de Kellac in Finistère
A fire at the Manoir de Kernault in Mellac occurred on January 12, 2025. The Manoir de Kernault is a manor house located in Mellac, owned by the department of Finistère since 1990. Built in the 15th century, it is classified as a historical monument.
It is considered a site of territorial importance, very dear to the inhabitants of the Quimperlé region.
Under restoration since 2020 the fire destroyed a large area of the building, especially the roof, during restoration work. The restoration work, in two phases, had cost 4.6 million euros and was due to end in March.
The fire appears to have started in the mansion’s almost completely restored structure but the exact cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated by experts and the police. The chapel adjacent to the damaged building was not damaged as well the mansion hall.
In the weeks leading up to the fire, four companies, including roofing and electrical contractors, had carried out interventions.
The estimated cost of securing, clearing and rebuilding will be several million euros.
The site is popular with visitors and history experts. The park, closed after Storm Ciaran, welcomed 100,000 visitors a year and will reopen in a few weeks.
The manor is part of the Public Establishment for Cultural Cooperation (EPCC) “Chemins du patrimoine en Finistère” and includes a 32-hectare park.
