Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Palais du Grabatoire, located in the historical district of the Cité Plantagenêt in Le Mans, is an ancient canonial palace built in the first half of the sixteenth century for Jean de Couthardy, member of the Chapter Saint-Julien. Its construction, spread over more than twenty years, was completed in 1543 thanks to a transaction between Anselme Taron, heir to Canon Jacques de Courthardy, and the Chapter, which eventually covered the majority of the costs. The large building was originally designed with skylights that were only added in 1906, during controversial restorations.

As soon as it was completed, the Grabatory was rented to canons like M. de Quince, then served as a capitular hall after the bag of the cathedral by Protestants in 1562. In 1567, his attics stored grain for the city's supply, and in 1572 the archdeacon Anselme Taron lived there briefly. The building then became a residence for the governors of the province of Maine, even welcoming Louis XIII and Marie de Medici in 1612. His occupation by political and religious figures continued until the Revolution, when he was divided and sold as a national good.

In 1791, notary Guy-Jean-François Martigné acquired both parts of the Grabatoire, which he then sold to Canon Fay, who donated it to a relative in 1795. In the 19th century, Abbé Bruneau added skylights and bell towers, while restorations in 1906-1907 altered its original appearance with "rustic" coatings. A restoration in 2014, led by heritage architect Laurent Cohin, partially restores its original appearance, including its 16th century coatings.

Architecturally, the Grabatoire consists of a two-storey pavilion extended by a wing, with polygonal turrets housing stairs. Its facades, pierced with superimposed windows, were modified in the 18th century to promote light, before being restored in the 20th century. Despite its importance, this monument remains one of the most unknown in Le Mans, due to the few historical sources documenting it.

Today, the Grabatory serves as an episcopal residence and has been listed as a historical monument since 1927. Its history reflects the religious, political and architectural upheavals of the region, from the Renaissance to the contemporary era.

External links