Img 1220La Porte
Saint-Julien
Emblematic of La Ferté-Bernard, this gate is typical of late medieval military architecture, and was built at the end of the Hundred Years’ War (1460-1483). The massive pavilion, flanked by two large towers, is pierced by a carriage gate and a postern. The entire edifice is crowned by a machicolated parapet walk.
Img 1145Rue d’Huisne and Rue Carnot
Passing under the Porte Saint-Julien, you take the oldest communication route developed in the Middle Ages. A few passages remain, such as the Cour de la Chaussumerie, marked by a sculpted figure supposedly carrying a sack of lime on his shoulder as a business sign.
Img 1060Saint-Lyphard Chapel
Built in the 12th century by the Bernard family, lords of La Ferté. A magnificent collateral oratory was built at the end of the 14th century on the orders of Louis d’Orléans and Valentine Visconti. Acquired by the town in 1980, it has been restored to become an exhibition space.
Img 1009The castle site
Founded around 1023 by Avesgaud, bishop of Le Mans and son of the Count of Perche, the Château de La Ferté-Bernard has suffered much damage over the years. Initially a fortress built of earth and wood, the castle was later rebuilt in stone before being largely destroyed on the orders of Charles VI. All that remains today are some of the buildings, towers and ramparts.
La Ferté-Bernard center (winter)Hôtel Courtin de Torsay
One of the finest residences built in La Ferté-Bernard in the modern era. It takes its name from the Courtin family, magistrates from Paris, who had it built at the end of the 17th century. Its modernity is reflected in its regular facade, dotted with large windows, and its porte cochère opening onto a magnificent garden (open to the public). Bequeathed to the city, it was a library before becoming the Mayor’s office.
La Ferté-Bernard center (winter)Notre-Dame-des-Marais Church
A jewel of Renaissance religious architecture, the church was built between 1450 and 1623 on former drained marshland, and features a Renaissance choir (vaulted ceiling with balustrade) and an exceptional corpus of 35 15th-, 16th- and 19th-century stained-glass windows, some of which represent the families of donors. In 2018, the church underwent an exceptional restoration project, which has just been completed.
Church open every day
Les Halles - La Ferté-Bernard - Exterior.Halles Denis Béalet
Former cloth and grain market completed thanks to the generosity of the Dukes of Guise. The large tiled roof is supported by a splendid framework. A 20-meter-high statue of Saint-Louis, patron saint of merchants, adorns the façade. These former halles are supported by 14 octagonal wooden pillars, 12 meters high and 1.63 meters in circumference.
La Ferté-Bernard center (winter)Hoyau fountain
One of La Ferté Bernard’s oldest public facilities is this fountain, which dates back to the end of the Middle Ages, a prosperous period in the town’s history. In the absence of drinking water, a first fountain was built in the heart of the town, but it wasn’t until 1651 that this beautiful fountain was realized in Alençon granite and installed at the expense of a notable Robert Hoyau.
