A gateway to the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park and Geopark!
The Maison du Parc et du Geoparc Discovery Centre is a showcase for the region, its assets and its talents, and welcomes you from April to October. The interpretation centre invites you to discover the natural and cultural riches of this area. You can also take a tour of the local products boutique, discover the region's tourist propositions and find out more about the Park's missions. The site also offers a rich annual programme with exhibitions and an array of events.
OPENING TIMES
From 1 April to 31 October: Open everyday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm (6.30 pm in July and August).
From 1 November to 31 March as well as 1 May: Closed. |
AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES
• Picnic tables.
• Sanitary facilities.
• Sale of hot drinks to consume on site.
• Free self-guided tours.
• Guided tours for paying groups (by reservation): 3€ per person.
The local products boutique
Find a wide selection of regional products as well as many scientific, historical and recreational books. A sweet and savoury grocery store, cosmetics and a section dedicated to cider products (Domfront Perry, Calvados etc.) There is something fun for everyone – all whilst supporting local producers!
Tourist information point and documentation
A wide choice of documents is at your disposal to help organise your stay and give you ideas. The team can also advise you and suggest the must-see sites: parks and gardens, places to visit, ideas for walks, activities etc..
Interpretation centre
The 200m² space invites you to discover the area: geography, natural environments, cultural heritage, craft skills etc..
The Collegiate Church
Created in 1480, the Collegiate Church is now open to the public. As well as being an exhibition hall, it also hosts to various events (activities, meetings etc.). The small seigniorial chapel (Chapelle de la Chanoinerie) which was classified as a historical monument in 1948, can also be found within the building.
A little history…
At the heart of the 235,000-hectare Normandy-Maine Park and Geopark is the town of Carrouges, famous for its castle. In 1975, the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park set up its headquarters just 200 metres away.
The history of these buildings actually dates back to the 15th century! Around 1480, Jean Bosset, the then Lord of Carrouges and Seneschal (Governor) of Normandy, had a place of worship built not far from his castle comprising of a chapel and a dwelling: Le Châpitre. A chapel was used as a burial place for the Lords and their families. From 1492 and for three centuries, a college of canons occupied the buildings with the mission of watching over the seignorial tombs.
At the end of the 19th century, the Revolution put an end to the site’s religious future and it became a farm and the collegiate church was turned into a barn.
In 1975, the General Council of Orne bought the farm before transferring it to the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park, which subsequently set up its headquarters there.