Orne’s Hidden Treasures – La Tour de Bonvouloir

This is the second article in the series, ’Orne’s Hidden Treasures’. Many thanks to GW for the photographs. Look out for an article, focussing on something especially for the children, coming shortly.

 

In Basse-Normandie, between the tiny village of Juvigny-sous-Andaines (about seven kilometres from Bagnoles de l’Orne) and Bagnoles de l’Orne itself, you will find La Tour de Bonvouloir. Steeped in both historical fact and misty legend (aren’t all the best places?) if the sight doesn’t raise a ‘Wow!‘ as you drive between the hedges at the entrance, I’ll be very surprised. Frankly, no photograph can do it justice.

Originally, the tower was part of a chateau built by Guyon Essirard at the end of the fifteenth century, on land gifted to him by René, Duc d’Alençon as a sign of the Duke’s ‘goodwill‘, hence the name, Bonvouloir. The high, thin tower (also known as a phare) stands atop an open area which was formerly the huge courtyard. Featuring a cloche roof, cornicing and a stone staircase, La Tour de Bonvouloir is still an amazing sight, situated as it is in the quiet Orne countryside.  

                                     

All that remains today of the original chateau (partially destroyed during the revolution) are the tower itself and the smaller, wider tower to which it is attached, a pigeonier and a well. In spite of the absence of stonework, you can still get an impression of ramparts from the earth banks surrounding the site.                              

                               

 

                              

There is also a small house with the date 1658? carved into the lintel, perhaps originally the chapel which was a seventeenth century addition. During the same century, the ’chateau’ became a farm. 

                                

Why the tower takes the form it does, is the stuff of legend. You will find the story recounted in many places, including the history of the spa in Bagnoles de l’Orne. The legend is that the master of La Tour de Bonvouloir, being married to a young woman and unable to produce an heir, bathed in the waters at Bagnoles de l’Orne. Some time afterwards his wife presented him with a son. He built the tower in gratitude for the return of his youth and vigour.                              

                              

Today, the site is free to visit and an ideal spot at which to picnic and walk. Even from ground level, there is a great view of the surrounding countryside. While you are there, you could pick up a leaflet with details of locally produced, regional products and where to find the producer and add another interesting place to your list for visiting in this lovely and productive region.

 

Give your family a treat during your stay in the Orne, or even elsewhere in Basse-Normandie, this summer by visiting a site of both archaeological importance and scenic beauty. You won’t be disappointed.  

 

A final note. La Tour de Bonvouloir is also the first stop on the suggested tourist route of 25 kms through the forest of Andaines (Circuit 7).