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Origin and history

The Manor House of Langenardière, also known as the Manor House of the Angenardière, is a 14th–12th century residence located in the hamlet of Clémancé, on the commune of Saint-Cyr-la-Rosière (Orne), in Normandy. Originally a stronghold of the Perche, it is characterized by a rectangular plan surrounded by ditches and strategic corner towers. The main house, flanked by two mâchicoulis towers and peppers, dominates a courtyard closed by a partially preserved enclosure. One of the towers, playing the role of dungeon, controls the main access.

The mansion underwent major reshuffles at the end of the 17th century, then a restoration in the last quarter of the 20th century. These transformations have preserved its defensive aspect while adapting its spaces to residential uses. The commons, arranged in square, complete the fortified whole and keep traces of the original moat. The building, which had been partially listed as a historical monument since 1925, had its facades, roofs and moat protected in 1968.

Historically, this type of strong house reflects the feudal organization of Perche, a border region between Normandy and the royal domain. The local lords resided there while protecting the surrounding agricultural lands. Murderers, watchtowers and ditches testify to medieval military tensions, while subsequent developments (gallery, secondary housing) reveal an evolution towards residential comfort in modern times.

Today, the Langenardière mansion is distinguished by its hybrid architecture, mixing defensive elements (mâchicoulis, murderers) and residential elements (openworked gallery, adorned corner towers). Its inscription in the title of historical monuments underscores its heritage importance, both for its history and for its representation of the seigneurial houses of the Perche. The remains of the moat and enclosure offer an overview of medieval defence systems still visible in Normandy.

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