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Origin and history

The Château du Bas Mont is a French monument located in Moulay, in the department of Mayenne, in Pays de la Loire. It stands in a geographical triangle bounded by the river Mayenne, the Aron and the old road of Paris. From the 11th century, this area, called Terra que dicitur de Montibus, belonged to the priory of Saint-Martin de Mayenne, covering the lands between Mayenne, Aron and Haie de Commer. The site was then divided into three distinct entities: Cour-du-Mont, Haut-Mont and Bas-Mont.

The building of the castle and its chapel is attributed to Germain Ricœur, whose coat of arms still adorn the facades. A natural spring, springing above the house, fed domestic needs. The chapel, dedicated to Saint-Germain, was blessed on 17 March 1712 during a great Mass in honour of the Sainte-Vierge, in the presence of a large clergy. Its conservation was officially recognized as useful in 1804, demonstrating its local importance.

The archives mention the castle under various names over the centuries, such as Inter Gardam and Bassum Montem in 1251, reflecting its historical anchor. The old maps, including Cassini's, as well as Moulay's parish registers, confirm its existence and its role in the region. The site remains a typical example of the castles of Mayenne, linked to the seigneurial and religious history of Maine.

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