Château du Rocher, Medieval castle in Mézangers, France
Château du Rocher rises on a granite outcrop beside a pond, blending medieval stone construction with Renaissance architecture, including a gallery topped by five arches. The estate encompasses grounds laid out in the French garden style, creating a structured landscape around the main structure.
First documented in 1282 under the name Rochier, the site holds deep roots in the region. During the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, it became a refuge for the nearby Notre-Dame d'Évron Abbey when external threats mounted.
The chapel within these walls still hosts religious services today and displays a statue of Saint Catherine from the 16th century, giving visitors a sense of how faith was woven into daily life at a noble residence. This sacred space remains an active part of the community that surrounds it.
The grounds and park are available for free visits, though access follows a seasonal schedule with limited opening periods. Wear appropriate footwear as paths can be uneven, and be prepared for moisture in areas near the pond.
The park spans approximately 44 hectares and received protection status in 1943, making it a significant preserved landscape. This scale allows visitors to move from formal French gardens into more natural wooded areas within the same property.
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