What sets this site apart from other Mayenne castles?

Le Grand Poillé offers a rare stratigraphy: an original feudal motte, a 14th-century courthouse, and a 15th-century seigneurial residence added to the complex. Four centuries of transformations at a single location are visible here.

Is the motte still surrounded by its moat?

Yes, the motte's moat retains water, which is rare for this type of medieval remains.

Is the current building entirely from the 15th century?

The visible seigneurial residence dates from the late 15th century, but it encloses and incorporates the courthouse that precedes it by a century.

Logis du Grand Poillé

Contest

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Contest

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Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Le Grand Poillé stands in Contest (Mayenne), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century, 15th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Le Grand Poillé is a feudal complex from the 14th century located in Contest, Mayenne. It comprises a motte with a water-filled moat, a courthouse built in the late 14th century, and a seigneurial residence from the 15th century that encloses it. The site, listed as a historic monument, bears witness to several centuries of seigneurial and judicial life.

What to know

The site combines remains from the 14th and 15th centuries, including a feudal motte with its water-filled moat intact.
A tithe barn that was part of the complex was destroyed by fire in 1950.
Visiting conditions and access are not documented: inquire locally before visiting.

Where this château is

Contest · Mayenne · Pays de la Loire

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

53100 Contest

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00132706
Period of construction: 14th century, 15th century

Frequently asked

What sets this site apart from other Mayenne castles?: Le Grand Poillé offers a rare stratigraphy: an original feudal motte, a 14th-century courthouse, and a 15th-century seigneurial residence added to the complex. Four centuries of transformations at a single location are visible here.
Is the motte still surrounded by its moat?: Yes, the motte's moat retains water, which is rare for this type of medieval remains.
Is the current building entirely from the 15th century?: The visible seigneurial residence dates from the late 15th century, but it encloses and incorporates the courthouse that precedes it by a century.