Château des Arcis, château à Meslay-du-Maine et au Buret (Mayenne)
Château des Arcis is a Renaissance castle in Meslay-du-Maine featuring a four-story keep surrounded by moats, with a fixed bridge providing entry instead of a drawbridge. The main building connects defensive elements with residential spaces, and a large service building on the grounds contains stables and halls.
The castle was rebuilt between 1575 and 1622 under Charles de Cervon, who transformed a medieval fortress into an elegant residence. This reconstruction marked a shift from purely defensive structures toward homes that emphasized comfort and refinement.
The gardens reflect Renaissance design with boxwood patterns cut into geometric shapes for visual effect. Walking along the water channels and through the planted areas shows how the estate was meant to blend beauty with its surrounding landscape.
The property is open to visitors during specific days and seasons, with guided tours available to explore the interiors and grounds. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will walk through gardens and around the estate to see the full site.
The Grand Service Building functioned not just for storage but housed armed men in its upper sections, revealing how defensive duties were built into every structure on the estate. This practical design shows how security was woven into all aspects of the property during the Renaissance period.
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