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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Rousson mansion, located in a meander of the Sarthe 1 km from Parcé-sur-Sarthe, consists of a house body flanked by a polygonal turret and a corner tower, supplemented by barns and a mill (the Monnerie). Defensive elements such as an entrance-protecting brace and remains (bread oven, chapel, dovecote) testify to its historical importance. A fountain fed by springs flows into the Sarthe via a stream. Dendrochronological analyses date back to its construction between 1482 and 1493.

The first mention of Rousson dates back to 1170 in the cartulare de la Couture. The estate passes into the hands of noble families: the Rousson (XIVth century), the Champagne (1433), then the Grasmesnil (1510), before being attached to the seigneury of Pescheseul. In the 17th century, it belongs to the Levis-Mirepoix, then the Barin de la Galissonnière (1762) and the Savonnière (XVIIIe). Confiscated as a good emigrated during the Revolution, it was sold in 1794 to Hardouin Pigalle. In the 19th century, General Lamiraux became its owner, before its acquisition in the 20th century by the Count of Broc, and its transmission to the present owners in 1980.

The mansion has been partially listed as a historic monument since May 30, 1984, protecting its facades, roofs, chimneys and tower. Geobiological research revealed a missing enclosure, a pool and agricultural structures (cave, dovecote), illustrating its central role in the local seigneurial organization. Its architecture combines residential, defensive and economic functions, typical of the manors of the late Middle Ages in Anjou.

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