The Plantagenet City

Discovering the city's oldest district is like stepping back in time. Stroll along cobbled streets, admire historic half-timbered houses and imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. A few shop signs add to the pleasure of the visit. In the heart of Le Mans, slightly overhanging the river Don, lies a hidden gem of national renown: the Cité Plantagenêt. This ancient medieval town owes its name to the Plantagenet dynasty, descended from the Counts of Maine and Anjou, who ruled here from the ^12th to the ^13th century. An ideal place for a stroll, the town extends over twenty hectares of cobbled streets lined with "chasse-roues". Punctuated by timber-framed houses and Renaissance-style mansions, sheltered by a Roman wall and overlooked by a cathedral, the old town gradually reveals itself to you, taking you back through the centuries. In 2002, Le Vieux Mans was renamed the Plantagenet City. Formerly known as Vindunum, this city has existed since Celtic times. The Maison du Pilier Rouge, the Maison du Pilier Vert, the Maison des Deux Amis, the Maison Saint-Paul, the Maison de l'Annonciation, the Maison du Drapier, the Maison Suspendue... There are many remarkable residences to be found along the promenade of Vieux Mans. Winding alleys, stone staircases, typical houses, townhouses, little squares, churches... Strolling through the streets of the old town reveals a unique heritage of unrivalled charm. At the heart of the town is Saint-Julien Cathedral. Then, following the itinerary, you'll discover the Saint-Pierre-la-Cour collegiate church, the Carré Plantagenêt, Queen Berengaria's house, the Saint-Vincent royal abbey and the Palais des Comtes du Maine. A staircase will take you back down to the city center, where you'll find modern-day stores. The urge to go back in time will certainly come later...