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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Mortagne-au-Perche racetrack originated in an imperial decision by Napoleon III in 1862, although the current stands date back to the first quarter of the 20th century. There are three of them, which include a panel of honour framed by two side stands. Their wooden architecture is uniquely characterized by carved friezes and leaded spears, evidence of a neat craftsmanship. The whole, owned by the commune, was protected by an order of inscription for historical monuments on 23 December 1996.

The stands, emblematic of the local heritage, recently underwent an act of vandalism on the night of 15-16 July 2025, where part of the guardrails and balusters were torn off. The municipality, the owner of the site, has taken legal action to preserve this monument linked to the equestrian and architectural history of Normandy. The site, located at the so-called Le Champ de Courses, remains a symbol of the region's horse-riding traditions, between sport and heritage.

Originally created under the Second Empire, the racetrack illustrates the 19th-century enthusiasm for horse racing, an activity associated with the aristocracy and the rising bourgeoisie. The 20th century stands, by their style and decor, reflect a period of transition between traditional craftsmanship and modernity, while being part of the cultural landscape of Mortagne-au-Perche, a city known for its preserved historical heritage.

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