History of the castle is closely related to that one of the city. The graphic presented below has been created from a sketch of Robert Triger.

The red zone represents the castle surrounding wall, divided in two sections (external wall and internal wall). The external wall contained the outbuildings and the Saint-Leonard Priory, not visible anymore. The internal wall contained the castle, lodging of the soldiers, a second chapel dedicated to Saint-Nicolas and, likely, donjon. The section identified "Place du château" is the actual "Place Bassum".

The green section represents the old surrounding walls of the city; in the past, access to the city was only possible by one of the three doors ("Alençon Door", "Le Mans Door" and "Sillé Door"). The small green circles along that wall represent protection towers intended to watch access to the city.

Map : Nadine Gaine © 1999, 2008

1 - Door of the castle - separating the castle from the external wall, it forms now the most preserved part of the ancient stronghold. Made of two round towers, connected by the part hosting the harrow of the old drawbridge.

2 - The headdress museum - Previously installed in the door of the castle, it has been moved in the Salle du lion, near the Cave du lion, situated in the same named alley. This museum contains a collection of 101 headdresses, from which 35 are from the Sarthe Department, dating XIXth Century and beginning of XXth Century, and 66 original miniatures mostly from the West part of France. Closed during wintertime, the museum is opened on sunday afternoon from April through September. For additional informations, visit the Office de tourisme des Alpes Mancelles.

3 - The donjon - Although only ruins remain, it's easy to figure out it's origins dimensions. It's still possible to see the internal chimney, decorated of a lintel and a column made of stones.

4 - The covered way - from the headland overhanging the river, one can see a part of the covered way.

5 - Supplying postern - One can still see the small door (actually walled in) used by men to supply foods and goods to the castle. The operation could only be completed by escalading the rock using ropes and ladders.

6 - Watching towers - Basis of the two watching towers overhanging the river remain visible; they intended to keep watch on the north part of the city.

7 - The external wall - That part has become the actual Bassum Place ("Place Bassum"). A few houses have kept some rests of the old wall forming the surrounding wall of the stronghold.

8 - Saint-Leonard Chapel - Although transformed in a garage, it's still easy to see it's volumes and it's openings. In the XIIth Century, the Vicomtes of the Maine and Lords of Beaumont had built a Priory, that were closed to the chapel; it has unfortunately now disappeared.

Fresnay - The Door of the Castle (1)