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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Conches-en-Ouche, built around 1034 by Roger I of Tosny, is an emblematic example of medieval military architecture. Built on a motte, its 11th century cylindrical dungeon, surrounded by a shirt flanked by semicircular towers, prefigures the innovations of Château-Gaillard. The site, now in ruins, was restored between 2007 and 2016 by volunteers, thus preserving a heritage linked to the lords of Tosny and the Franco-English conflicts.

The castle played a strategic role during the Hundred Years War. Taken by Philippe Auguste in 1199, he was then enlarged before being burned during the ride of Henri de Lancastre in 1356. He changed hands several times, especially between the French, the Navarrais and the English, before being dismantled in the 16th century to avoid it being used as a refuge for the enemies of the monarchy. Its dungeon, classified as a historic monument in 1886, remains the most significant vestige.

The park surrounding the ruins, including the medieval entrance gate, has been classified since 1940. The lower courtyard, transformed into a public garden, originally kept a parish enclosure with a church and houses. The walls, 2.60 metres wide, and the three floors of the dungeon bear witness to its defensive importance. The site, owned by the commune, today offers an overview of Norman history, from feudal conflicts to contemporary restorations.

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