Montourtier brings together several clearly distinct historical themes: the Presbytère, whose main construction phase dates to the 16th century; the stained-glass windows of the parish church of Saint-Pierre; and the chapel of Château de Bourgon. The village has preserved a cohesive and harmonious ensemble of historic buildings. Its local history thus brings together architecture, decorative features and a distinctive landscape feature.

Building History and Decorative Features

The main construction phase of Montourtier’s Presbytère dates to the 16th century, and it has been listed as a Monument historique since 10 December 1927. The two dates refer to different aspects: the century indicates the main construction phase, while the exact date is when it was listed. This distinction separates the building’s history from its later protected status.

The parish church of Saint-Pierre offers a different point of reference: it has stained-glass windows by Georges Janin of Nancy, dating from 1936. The artist, place of origin and year refer to a specific feature of the church’s interior. This look at the windows thus complements the older building history of the Presbytère with a subject in its own right.

Château de Bourgon is a 15th- and 16th-century château and is classified as a Monument historique. Its chapel was built in 1525 by the Montecler family on the foundations of a medieval tower. Here, a named patron, an exact construction year and an older foundation can be considered together.

A granite tympanum in the chapel depicts intertwined lilies beneath a royal crown. The château also includes the blue cabinet of the Marquise de Sablé, which was entirely decorated with floral paintings in 1625. The chapel and the cabinet thus represent different details: the chapel built on older foundations, and a later-dated decorative scheme.

To understand the chronology, it is useful to distinguish the building from its decoration: the Presbytère’s main construction phase dates to the 16th century; at the château, 1525 dates the chapel and 1625 the cabinet’s decoration. This allows you to distinguish construction phases from the dates of decorative work, rather than reading all the years as construction dates.

Château de Bourgon is open year-round by appointment. Plan your visit in advance by arranging an appointment. It is open by appointment, so take this condition into account when planning.

Landscape and Local Features

A remarkable chestnut tree stands beside Château de Bourgon and received an award in 2012. It adds a distinctive landscape feature to the historic buildings. The award dates the recognition of the tree, providing a different chronological reference from the buildings’ construction and decoration dates.

A travel guide states that a giant frying pan stands near the church and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world. If you specifically want to see this feature, check before your visit whether it is currently on site. This note is particularly useful if the giant frying pan is a specific reason for your visit to Montourtier.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Quentin-Les-Anges, Cossé-en-Champagne, Ménil, Gesvres, Beaulieu-Sur-Oudon, Ruillé-Froid-Fonds, Saint-Pierre-Des-Nids, Montenay.

For the broader travel overview: Mayenne.