Who built the château de la Roche-Pichemer?

The present building is attributed to Louis du Plessis in the 16th century, constructed over earlier 13th-century foundations.

What legend is linked to the château?

A lady known as Catherine-sans-pitié is tied to a legend of cruelty, said to be condemned to ride a fiery chariot through the night.

Which parts of the château are protected as historic monuments?

The facades and roofs of the château and its three pavilions, the dovecote, and several interior rooms are listed, while the outbuildings are registered.

Which families owned the château?

The estate belonged to the du Plessis family until 1645, then to the Montesson family until 1778, before passing to the Hercé and Ozouville families in the early 19th century.

Where is the château de la Roche-Pichemer located?

It stands in the commune of Montsûrs, in the Mayenne department.

Château de la Roche-Pichemer

Roche-Pichemer Castle

Montsûrs

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Montsûrs

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Château de la Roche-Pichemer stands in Montsûrs (Mayenne), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument. The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

In Montsûrs, in the Mayenne department, the château de la Roche-Pichemer presents a granite facade punctuated by three pavilions, the result of a 16th-century rebuilding over older foundations dating back to the 13th century. Visitors come for the balance of this historic architecture, with arched doorways, paired windows and carved dormers, as well as for the turbulent history of its successive owners, from the du Plessis to the Montesson families. A local legend, that of Catherine-sans-pitié, ties the house to the reputation of a cruel lady condemned to endless nocturnal rides.

Written from Château de la Roche-Pichemer

What to know

The château stands in the commune of Montsûrs, in the Mayenne department.
The facades and roofs of the château, its three pavilions and the dovecote have been listed as historic monuments since 1973, along with several interior rooms on the ground and first floors.
The facades and roofs of the outbuildings are separately registered as historic monuments.
The current building dates mainly from the 16th century, built over older elements going back to the 13th century.
The château's chapel, first mentioned in 1630, was altered in the 19th century.

Where this château is

Montsûrs · Mayenne · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Château de la Roche-Pichemer

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

53150 Montsûrs

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00109605

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the château de la Roche-Pichemer?: The present building is attributed to Louis du Plessis in the 16th century, constructed over earlier 13th-century foundations.
What legend is linked to the château?: A lady known as Catherine-sans-pitié is tied to a legend of cruelty, said to be condemned to ride a fiery chariot through the night.
Which parts of the château are protected as historic monuments?: The facades and roofs of the château and its three pavilions, the dovecote, and several interior rooms are listed, while the outbuildings are registered.
Which families owned the château?: The estate belonged to the du Plessis family until 1645, then to the Montesson family until 1778, before passing to the Hercé and Ozouville families in the early 19th century.
Where is the château de la Roche-Pichemer located?: It stands in the commune of Montsûrs, in the Mayenne department.