MOTTE FÉODALE DE SAINT RÉMY DU VAL
The castle walls were built in the 11th century by Robert II of Bellème, who used an overhanging site to control the valley of the Bienne, the Perseigne forest and the old Roman road, to build a fortified castle that formed part of the 16 km defence line between Saint Rémy and Peray known as "Robert's ditches" to protect his Saosnois estates in the conflict between him and the Count of Maine (Hélie de la Flèche). This site was the subject of a CAPRA study by Mr Hugo Meunier (in PDF on the fortified castle article).
Radiocarbon dating places one of the remaining walls in the 11th century and the circular tower, which is thought to be one of the largest in France, at the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century. At the time, it was a major fortress in Maine. Listed as a Historic Monument since December 2015, the decree protects the castral complex with its bailey, ditches and levees.
Radiocarbon dating places one of the remaining walls in the 11th century and the circular tower, which is thought to be one of the largest in France, at the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century. At the time, it was a major fortress in Maine. Listed as a Historic Monument since December 2015, the decree protects the castral complex with its bailey, ditches and levees.
Contact
72600 SAINT-REMY-DU-VAL
FRANCE
Practical information
Opening times
Open all year round
Site theme
Castle
Minor heritage
Ruins and remains
Architectural style of the site
Medieval
Access to the free site
Yes
