The castle of Mayenne is located in the town of the same name, in the department of Mayenne.
Located southeast of the city center, it was built on a granite hill overlooking the river. A stream also ran along it, to feed the moat, which is now underground and channeled.
Occupied since Antiquity, the site housed a first wooden castle from the 7th century before a Carolingian residence was built in the 10th century.
The building, which also had a military vocation, then defended Maine against Brittany, Anjou and Normandy.
Renovated several times during the Middle Ages, a time occupied by the English and victim of fires, became a fortified castle, it housed a garrison from the 14th century and turned into a prison in the 18th century.
Acquired by the city in 1936, the castle is the subject of major excavations which bring to light the original Carolingian palace which stood on several levels. Declared an "Archaeological site of national interest" (civil or military Carolingian remains of such magnitude that are so well preserved are rare in Europe), listed in the Inventory, the castle now houses a museum.
Through the rooms, stairways and galleries of the castle, the visitor learns about twenty centuries of the history of the city and the territory through that of this extraordinary site.
In addition to the places themselves, highlighted, are presented collections of objects found during recent excavations: coins, domestic or religious objects, military or funerary furniture. One of the most amazing pieces: game pawns and chess figurines in bone or deer horn dating from the High Middle Ages.
Activities are regularly offered for young audiences, and a medieval garden completes the visit.
Open from February to December, daily in July and August and closed on Mondays the rest of the year. Price: 3 to 5 euros. Information on +33 2 43 00 17 17.
