Manoir de la Saucerie, Manor estate in Domfront en Poiraie, France.
Manoir de la Saucerie is a fortified manor estate in Domfront en Poiraie, with two round towers framing the entrance gate, their upper sections built in timber framing, and a central rectangular building topped with a dome. On the grounds, visitors can also see an octagonal dovecote and a well, both still standing near the main structure.
Eleanor of Aquitaine granted this land to Robert le Saucier in 1198, and he built the first manor on a raised, moated mound close to Domfront Castle. The Doynel family then took over the property in the 15th century and rebuilt it into the fortified residence whose remains can be seen today.
The entrance gate still bears the carved coat of arms of the Doynel family, which is one of the most visible details on the whole property. The name 'Saucerie' comes from Robert le Saucier, the man to whom the land was first granted, and his name has stayed attached to this place ever since.
The property can be visited from the outside, and walking around the grounds gives a good view of the towers, the gate, and the dovecote from different angles. Wearing sturdy shoes is a good idea, as the ground around the site can be uneven, and daylight makes it much easier to take in the details of the stonework.
The round towers are fitted with openings made specifically for culverins, small early cannons, which shows this manor was built with serious military use in mind. The chestnut wood roofs were shaped to look like upside-down ship hulls, a rare building technique that reflects the skills of the craftsmen who worked here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
