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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Fontenay is an iconic 18th-century building located in Mortagne-au-Perche, Orne department, Normandy. Built in an architectural Louis XV style known as rococo, it stands out for its facades decorated with rock sculptures and ironwork balconies. This mansion originally belonged to the family of Fontenay, one of the most influential in Perche, who held honorary office under Henry IV. Its architecture, marked by stone chains and a central pediment, illustrates the prestige of its former owners.

In the middle of the 18th century, the facades were redone in the rococo style, adding decorative details characteristic of the period. The building remained in the Fontenay family until the early 19th century, before being sold several times. In the 20th century, it was transferred to the local parish. In 1975, the courtyard façade and its roof were listed as the Historic Monuments, recognizing their heritage value.

Between June 2017 and March 2019, the Hotel de Fontenay underwent a major rehabilitation of 1.5 million euros. This work allowed not only to restore the building, but also to install portals to allow visitors to admire its architecture. Today, the building bears witness to both the aristocratic history of the Perch and contemporary efforts to preserve this heritage.

The family of Fontenay, who gave its name to the hotel, played a significant role in the region, notably through Pierre de Fontenay, governor under Henry IV. Architectural elements, such as iron-plated balconies and rock sculptures, recall the fascist of this era. Although the property is now private, its partial opening to the public makes it possible to discover this jewel of Norman heritage.

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