Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Ouen, located in Chemaze in the department of Mayenne, finds its origins at the end of the 12th century with a chapel dependent on the abbey of La Roë. This chapel, restored in the 15th century, was transformed into a mansion at the beginning of the 16th century under the impulse of Guy Le Clerc de Coulaines, Abbé de la Roë from 1493 to 1523. In 1505 he, the nephew of Yves de Scépeaux, obtained the enjoyment of the estate of Saint-Ouen and began the construction of a modest mansion, enriched with a square tower and a luxurious staircase, reflecting his artistic tastes and his attachment to Queen Anne of Brittany.

The square tower, decorated with the coat of arms of the abbey of La Roë and with motifs symbolizing France and Brittany, is the most remarkable element of the castle. Guy Le Clerc applied his figure in architectural details, especially in a carefully carved chimney. Despite his ecclesiastical duties and his attachment to the court, he resided in Saint-Ouen until his death. The castle, initially a simple chapel confirmed at the abbey in 1184, became a place of residence chosen by its successors before being abandoned in the seventeenth century.

Sold as a national property in 1791 for 28,000 pounds, the castle was then bought by the Count of Sèze, who undertook repairs to restore its brilliance. Ranked a historic monument in 1923 for its house and tower, then in 1944 for its north pavilion and chapel, it now bears witness to the Renaissance architecture and religious history of the region. The archives also mention a drawing of the castle sent to the Academy of Enrollments in 1818, highlighting its heritage importance.

The castle of Saint-Ouen was never a priory, but a chapel associated with a fief of Château-Gontier. The foundations of this fief were held regularly until the 17th century. The building, marked by varied artistic influences, illustrates the mixture between religious function and seigneurial residence, typical of the abbatial constructions of the period.

External links