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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Château de la Chaize is a historic residence located 2 km east of the Loges-Marcis, in the Manche department of Normandy. Built at the end of the 15th century on the site of an ancient Norman fortress, it was used to defend the Duchy border facing Brittany. The site, surrounded by water on three sides, retained moat and auxiliary defences still partially visible today.

The present manor house, restored between 1817 and 1824 under the Restoration, retains only a polygonal tower with hexagonal base, changing to a square plane by lamp asses. A Renaissance-style chapel, built at the same time as the mansion, was initially connected to it by a defensive wall, later dismantled under Richelieu. These elements, together with the facades and roofs of the communes, have been listed as historical monuments since 1978.

The castle still belonged in 2014 to the Malet de Graville family, who maintained it after centuries of transmission between successive owners. The site illustrates the typical architecture of the southern Channel, mixing medieval heritage and 19th century transformations. The strategic position of the castle in the Airon Valley reflects its historic role of territorial control between Normandy and Brittany.

Today, the castle of La Chaize remains a testimony of the architectural and political changes of the region, from feudal conflicts to post-Revolution restorations. Its partial inscription in historical monuments highlights the heritage value of its oldest elements, including the tower and chapel.

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