Gacé Castle

Gacé Castle, locally known as Château de Gacé, lies in the town of the same name, in the Orne department in France.

It is said that the first fortification at the site of Gacé Castle dates back to the time when Merovingians ruled the area. They conquered the area around the end of the 5th century and stayed in power until the 9th century. It was meant to defend the valley of the Touques River. The site was apparently considered a strong enough place to station troops at by Hugh the Great, Count of Paris, in his war against Richard I of Normandy in 944.

In 1419, during the Hundred Years' War, Gacé fell into the hands of the English. During their occupation, which lasted until 1450, they rebuilt the arguably dilapidated castle. The large round corner tower, called the Talbot Tower, dates back to that period. The 2 towers flanking the entrance were built during the 2nd part of the 15th century.

Louis XIII of France ordered the demolition of the castle in 1621. His order was not carried out but the people of Gacé were delighted for they now saw themselves exempted from their watch duties at the castle and from paying the taxes for the maintenance of the castle.

During the French Revolution, at the end of the 18th century, the people of Gacé who wanted to destroy the castle, demolished part of its eastern facade. In 1800 the castle was shortly occupied by rebels during the Chouannerie. Later in the 19th century the earlier demolished eastern facade was rebuilt in brick.

At present Gacé Castle is used as a town hall. Its exterior can freely be visited. A very nice remnant of probably a much larger castle.

Gallery