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Château de Sainte-Suzanne: A Medieval Fortress

Explore the medieval Château de Sainte-Suzanne, a fortress that defied William the Conqueror, and discover the heritage of the Mayenne region.

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The Château de Sainte-Suzanne, located in Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes, is a historic castle dating back to the 11th century. It stands as a testament to medieval architecture and the region's rich history, having famously resisted William the Conqueror's siege. Today, it houses a Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage (CIAP).

A brief summary to Château de Sainte-Suzanne

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the castle.
  • Take advantage of the free audioguides available at the château reception for a more immersive experience.
  • Explore the ramparts for panoramic views of the Coëvrons hills.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If arriving by car, Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes is accessible from Rennes (1h20), Le Mans (50 minutes), Angers (1h17), and Nantes (2h20). Limited parking is available near the castle. A Camping-Car Park area is located 450m from the castle. Parking at the Camping-Car Park costs €11.60/24 hours.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest train stations are in Laval and Évron. From Laval, take the Aléop en Mayenne bus line 103 or 103-AD to Place Ambroise de Loré in Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes. The bus ride takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes. From Evron, a taxi ride to Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes will take about 29 minutes. Bus tickets cost a few euros.

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Discover more about Château de Sainte-Suzanne

Perched atop a rocky promontory, the Château de Sainte-Suzanne offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle played a crucial role in defending the region against invaders, most notably withstanding a siege by William the Conqueror between 1083 and 1086. This feat made it the only stronghold that the Conqueror failed to seize. The castle's architecture reflects its long and varied history. The triangular courtyard features eleven round and square towers, and a moat separates it from the medieval town. The Romanesque keep, dating back to the 1020s, offers panoramic views of the Mayenne countryside from its ramparts. For security reasons, access to the keep may be limited pending work. The residence, built between 1608 and 1613 by Guillaume Fouquet de la Varenne, showcases architecture typical of the Henri IV period, blending Renaissance and Classical styles. Since 2009, the castle has housed the Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage (CIAP), providing insights into the heritage of the Pays d'art et d'histoire Coëvrons-Mayenne and the Mayenne département. The CIAP offers exhibits suitable for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, admire the architecture, and learn about the region's history through interactive displays and guided tours. Free audioguides enhance the experience. Sainte-Suzanne itself is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France, offering charming cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, and well-maintained ramparts. Visitors can also explore the Musée de l'Auditoire, the Grand Moulin paper mill, and the Camp de Beugy, used by William the Conqueror's troops.

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