What is a feudal motte?

A motte is an artificial earthen mound built in the 10th and 11th centuries, topped by a fortification in wood or stone. It served as a defensive position and a lord's residence.

Are there building remains to see?

No, only the earthwork formation survives. The medieval structures that once stood on the motte have disappeared.

Was the motte isolated?

Historical sources indicate it was once surrounded by water, which reinforced its defensive character.

Motte et tour dîmière du Plessis-Poix

Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Manoir de VauvineuxOpen to visitors17 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Motte féodale du Plessis-Poix stands in Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne (Orne), in the Normandie region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 11th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The motte of Plessis-Poix at Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne preserves evidence of 11th-century military construction. The lords of Poix established a small fortified castle there as the seat of their authority within the barony of Soligny. The artificial mound, once surrounded by water, remains as a marker of this feudal presence.

What to know

The site has been registered as a historical monument since 1975.
No buildings are accessible: only the earthwork structure from the 11th century remains.
The site is open to visit at no charge, outdoors.

Where this château is

Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne · Orne · Normandie

Map of the area around Motte féodale du Plessis-Poix

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne, Orne

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00110912
Period of construction: 11th century

Itineraries

Normandy castles in 2 days from Caen

Frequently asked

What is a feudal motte?: A motte is an artificial earthen mound built in the 10th and 11th centuries, topped by a fortification in wood or stone. It served as a defensive position and a lord's residence.
Are there building remains to see?: No, only the earthwork formation survives. The medieval structures that once stood on the motte have disappeared.
Was the motte isolated?: Historical sources indicate it was once surrounded by water, which reinforced its defensive character.