What is a motte castle?

A motte castle is a fortress built on a raised earthwork or stone mound, often surrounded by an outer ward and ditches. Saint-Rémy-du-Val exemplifies this type in Maine.

When was the fortress of Saint-Rémy-du-Val built?

The earliest structures date to the early 11th century. The circular tower, the most striking feature, was erected between the late 12th and early 13th century.

Why is this circular tower remarkable?

It ranks among the largest circular towers of the medieval kingdom, reflecting the power and strategic importance of this fortress during the Middle Ages.

Motte castrale de Saint-Rémy-du-Val

Saint-Rémy-du-Val

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Rémy-du-Val

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Manoir de VauvineuxOpen to visitors14 km

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Motte castrale de Saint-Rémy-du-Val stands in Saint-Rémy-du-Val (Sarthe), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: Middle Ages). No visits are on record for this building.

The motte castle of Saint-Rémy-du-Val covers more than four hectares in Sarthe. Built as early as the 11th century, this Maine fortress expanded over the centuries, notably with the construction of a massive circular tower dating from the late 12th or early 13th century, among the kingdom's largest. The protected ensemble includes the outer ward, ditches and earthworks that define the site.

What to know

The site spans over four hectares and includes medieval fortifications, with some elements remaining buried.
The circular tower, dating from the late 12th or early 13th century, is among the most impressive in the former kingdom.

Where this château is

Saint-Rémy-du-Val · Sarthe · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Motte castrale de Saint-Rémy-du-Val

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Saint-Rémy-du-Val, Sarthe

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA72000048
Period of construction: Middle Ages

Frequently asked

What is a motte castle?: A motte castle is a fortress built on a raised earthwork or stone mound, often surrounded by an outer ward and ditches. Saint-Rémy-du-Val exemplifies this type in Maine.
When was the fortress of Saint-Rémy-du-Val built?: The earliest structures date to the early 11th century. The circular tower, the most striking feature, was erected between the late 12th and early 13th century.
Why is this circular tower remarkable?: It ranks among the largest circular towers of the medieval kingdom, reflecting the power and strategic importance of this fortress during the Middle Ages.