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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Coupesarte mansion, located in the town of Coupesarte (Mézidon Vallée d'Auge, Calvados), is a notable example of the manor houses of the Pays d'Auge, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. It occupies the site of an ancient medieval fortified building, whose tower foundations and a partially preserved wooden frame remain. Ranked a historic monument in 1947, it combines half-timbered, moat and turrets in corbellation, typical of Augeronne architecture.

Originally divided into several fiefs in the Middle Ages, the estate belongs successively to the families of Anisy (XV century) and Prevost (XVI century). The present manor house, dated between the late 15th and 18th centuries, preserves defensive elements such as moat and a 15th century scallop. Its interior design, made in the 17th century, includes remarkable painted decorations, such as Cupid's room, decorated with mythological motifs and trompe-l'oeil.

Damaged during the Battle of Normandy in 1944 (a bomb partially destroys the stairwells and stables), the mansion was restored in the 1960s thanks to the Masters-d'oeuvre prize at risk. In the 21st century, cracks and infiltrations threatened its structure, leading to a donation campaign with the Heritage Foundation. Fabulist Jacques Charles Formage (1749–1808) was born there, and the estate passed to the family Le Viconte in 1767.

Architecturally, the manor is distinguished by its stylistic unit, with two square buildings, peppers in corbellation, and a rosé brick humble. Its outbuildings (granges, stables) and moat have been protected since 1947. External visits are allowed, revealing a modest and refined heritage, as historian Yves Lescroart points out.

Future

Free outdoor tour possible all year round.

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