Construction of the moth Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Estimated period of the castral mound
26 décembre 1984
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 26 décembre 1984 (≈ 1984)
Official protection of the site by order
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Castral motte (cad. A 397, 399, 400, 538) : entry by order of 26 December 1984
Key figures
Information non disponible - No historical character mentioned
Sources insufficient to identify actors
Origin and history
The Camp de Gènes, also known as Camp de Gesnes, is a former castral motte located in the commune of Saint-Loup-du-Gast, in the department of Mayenne, in the Pays de la Loire region. This medieval monument is located near the confluents of Varenne and Colmont, about 1.5 km west of the village, on a height overlooking the Mayenne River. Its strategic location suggests a defensive or surveillance role during the Middle Ages.
The motte is characterized by a ground structure, typical of the motte castles of this time, surrounded by two half-highed enclosures. This type of construction, common between the 10th and 12th centuries, served as the basis for wooden or stone fortifications, often associated with seigneurial residences. The site was officially recognized for its heritage importance by registration as historic monuments on 26 December 1984.
Today, the camp of Genes is a property shared between the department of Mayenne and private owners. Although its access and conditions of visit are not specified in the available sources, its inscription in the Merimée base and its exact location (5094 La Monnerie, 53300 Saint-Loup-du-Gast) make it a reference site for lovers of medieval history and castral architecture. No information is available on any historical characters related to this monument.
