Château de la Rongère

The 18th-century Château de la Rongère features magnificent formal gardens that remain unchanged since their creation in 1760. 

Site History

The lands of La Rongère were sold in 1294 to Macé de Quatrebarbes, whose family built several châteaux on the site in the following centuries. The current château consists of three wings: the Louis XIII and Louis XIV wings, built by the Quatrebarbes family; and the Louis XV wing, built in the second half of the 18th century by the de Montecler family. In 1890, the Louis XIV and Louis XIII wings underwent extensive restoration. During this time, the “gendarme hat” was added to the right tower, and updates were made to the ornamentation and numerous sculptures on the façades, in particular those of the chapel, the interior of which was completely redone in the style of the time.

This 18th-century château features an impressive French park and formal gardens created by the Abbé de Montecler in 1760. Designed according to Le Notre’s principles and classified as a historic monument, the gardens have remained intact since then and are the most magnificent in the Mayenne department.

About the Project

The restoration concerns the roof of the chapel, as well as the masonry of the upper section. The chapel was completely restored in 1890 in the style of the 19th century, and it has undergone other repairs and roof maintenance since then. However, its current condition is worrying: the interior suffers from water infiltration, and the stucco from the ceiling is falling; outside, the awnings have been badly damaged by rain, and the sculptures are also damaged. The roof is in poor overall condition. 

Château de la Rongère Today

During the summer, the Château de la Rongère welcomes the public to explore its French-style gardens. Once restored, the chapel will be open to the public along with the gardens.