Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Manor House of La Plesse, located in the former commune of Saint-Germain-de-Montgomery (now Val-de-Vie, Calvados), is a remarkable example of wood-paned architecture in the country of Auge. Built in two major countrysides, it combines a central body of the 15th century – marked by an imposing system of chimneys and carved poles (blasons, bearded faces, Virgin with Child) – with a north extension of the 17th century, sober and vertical, without ornaments. The estate also includes a 16th century press, always equipped with its apple tower and long-street press, witness to local agricultural activities.

The property, probably built by a member of the Le François family (owner in the 16th and 17th centuries), illustrates the evolution of Norman rural manors. The house, organized around a central staircase and rooms illuminated by later enlarged windows, reflects successive adaptations to seigneurial needs. At the back, the contemporary gardens, designed by Louis Benech (famous for the renovation of the Tuileries in 1990), contrast with the front courtyard, dedicated to the old buildings.

Partially listed at the Historic Monuments since 1993, the mansion protects its facades, roofs, interior chimneys, commons, bread oven and press mechanism. Apart from modern additions, this protection underscores the heritage value of a complete rural complex, which combines seigneurial history, traditional agricultural techniques and garden art. The wood-line location near the Champeaux Creek reinforces its anchoring in the augeron landscape.

The sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) specify that the house was built around 1530, enlarged around 1550, then decorated around 1580. The press, dated the 16th century, preserves rare technical elements (burdens of torchi, tiles). The official address (321 Chemin de la Plessé) and the Insee code (14576) confirm its attachment to Calvados, in the Normandy region, despite the communal merger of 2016.

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