Palais des comtes du Maine, Medieval palace in Old Town, Le Mans, France.
Palais des comtes du Maine is a medieval and Renaissance building in downtown Le Mans that combines administrative spaces with a church inside its walls. The structure displays construction features from different periods layered across centuries.
The building rose from the 11th through 15th centuries and served as a residence for the Counts of Maine and later the Plantagenet family. King Henry II of England was among those who lived within its walls.
The church within the building reflects how religious and civic life intertwined in medieval times, with both functions coexisting in one space. Visitors can sense this dual purpose when walking through the rooms today.
The building serves as Le Mans city hall today and welcomes visitors to explore public rooms and exhibition areas inside. Check ahead to confirm which sections are accessible during your visit.
Medieval masonry from the 12th century remains visible on the building's exterior, showing what the original structure looked like at that time. These old layers stay exposed and tell the story of how construction happened in stages.
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