In the area around

Mediaeval fortresses and stately homes

Less than half an hour from Bagnoles de l’Orne, there are four châteaux that are worth a detour. Red brick and granite houses and mediaeval castles offer plenty for those who love old buildings to enjoy!

The Château de Couterne

Just two miles from Bagnoles de l’Orne, the Château de Couterne belonged to the Frotté family for fourteen generations. This beautiful stately home, built in the middle of the 16th century by Jehan de Frotté on the ruins of a castle, has a plain façade of brick and granite. The two rounded corner towers add a touch of fantasy.
The estate covers around 50 acres and is criss-crossed by nearly 2 miles of well-maintained tree-lined avenues. Inside, an exhibition room houses nearly 250 objects, some historic and some that are still in use, as well as rare eighteenth-century costumes.

It has been classified as an historic monument since 1931.

Lassay,
a mediaeval fortress

The Château de Lassay remains a very nice example of 15th century military architecture. Built in its current form in 1458, it has retained its eight towers, curtain wall, two-storey barbican and chatelet.
You can explore the furnished rooms, bedchamber, armoury and the kitchen with its collection of old copper utensils on a guided tour. Visitors can even try to work the drawbridge!
You can also take a relaxing country stroll in the nearby park or the garden, which is inspired by medieval designs. The town of Lassay-les-Châteaux, which is a member of the Petites Cités de Caractère® network of historic small towns, is 9 miles from Bagnoles de l’Orne.

Domfront Chateau Cite Medievale Fortification Vestige Ruines Tulipes

The ruins of
the Château de Domfront

This castle is 12 miles from Bagnoles in the mediaeval town of Domfront. The origin of the town is linked to the building of the castle. Although it is now in ruins, the keep, towers, ramparts and ancient chapels are still visible and can be visited freely.
The village of Domfront has retained its mediaeval character over the centuries. The old town, which is encircled by a wall that was built in the 18th century, is protected by the Fondation de Patrimoine heritage foundation.
It still has some very fine timber-framed houses, narrow, cobbled streets and town houses with interior courtyards.

Carrouges, a brick-built castle

The mediaeval castle of Carrouges was built between the 14th and 16th centuries and is located 14½ miles from the spa resort, on the border of Normandy and the ancient province of Maine. The building is a listed Historic Monument and contain seven centuries of history. Its red brick and granite walls are surrounded by a moat. The furnished apartments retain all the attractions of an inhabited residence.
Managed by the centre for national monuments, the Château de Carrouges offers guided visits of the gardens and apartments, as well as various events including exhibitions, concerts and evening tours in summer.