Palais des Comtes du Maine (Hôtel de Ville)

Fragments of the Plantagenet Palace (1126-1240) remain, inserted into the buildings of today's Le Mans Town Hall.

The complex is organised around two main noble, secular and ecclesiastical centres, the aula comtale and the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre-la-Cour. The aula (large ceremonial hall) is the setting for the exercise of power and its representation. It was here that ceremonies and feasts were held. Earl Geoffrey Plantagenet and his wife Matilda, then the very powerful Henry II, their son, master of the English kingdom and the western half of France, marked this high point of public life with their presence.
While it has retained its medieval appearance on the Avenue Rostov sur le Don and Rue de la Comédie sides, the building has a classical L-shaped facade with a triangular pediment on the return wing on the Place Saint-Pierre side. The hall is used for temporary exhibitions. Admission is free.

In summer, take advantage of the free tours of the Gros-Pilier tower. Simply go directly to the site, near the Ponts-Neufs staircase, avenue Rostov sur le Don.