To the south of the Department of Mayenne lies the historic hilltop town of St Suzanne. Here you can find more that 1000 years of heritage, perhaps even more if you count prehistory – the Dolman des Erves, which date from about 4500BC. These are the oldest megalithic monuments in the Mayenne department and are about 15km from the town.
William the Conqueror -
In the same direction but much nearer the town is William the Conqueror's fortified camp, complete with earth ramparts. In 1083 Hubert of Beamont, Viscount of Main, revolted against William, a bad thing to do. William immediately marched against him. Hubert, in an effort to find a safe haven, chose St Suzanne, even then a well fortified village with a decent castle and impregnable walls.
However, William was not one to overlook such indiscretions or let them pass, however, after a lengthy siege even the indomitable William gave up and no doubt Hubert breathed a big sigh of relief.
Hundred Years War -
During the Hundred Year's War the English did manage to to breach the walls and occupied the town till one of their own betrayed them to the French. They retook it in 1439 and it remained a sleepy little outpost till the 17th century when the barony was purchased by one Fouquet de la Varenne. Apart from his quaint name Fouquet's main claim to fame was the development of the castle in St Suzanne which he never really finished but still exists today.
19th Century -
During the 19th century a burgeoning cottage industry grew up along the river Evre in the valley below the town. This came about because Mayenne was a centre for cotton material production and some bright spark came up with the idea of turning the scraps of material into paper.
Others copied him and now, if you visit St Suzanne, I strongly recommend that after the visit and a couple of beers in the town centre you drive down to the valley, a kilometre and a half away and have a stole along the foot path that follows the river.
Here you will pass a number of old water mills, sadly all unused today but all converted to living accommodation and in good condition.
A truly beautiful walk!
If you want more? then follow the links above, in the images, where you can buy Fraser's published books.
Fraser Blake, 70, author of 'Dear Chips' and 'A Rant Too Far?' grew up in Africa, was at school in Scotland, and worked for the British South Africa Police in Southern Rhodesia. He has taught English in Saudi Arabia and sold and renovated hundreds of properties in Northern France.
In 1998 Fraser was selling houses in the Mayenne department of the Pays de la Loire region and so was the obvious choice, when Cle France was started, to be their first agent on the ground in France. In retirement he writes, blogs, cooks, drinks wine, and hosts to dinner unlimited numbers of ex-pats.
Always on hand with a viewpoint, Fraser is going to share his views on France, the French and the British, and other people who buy in France. Sometimes informative, sometimes funny, painfully true, outrageously opinionated but always entertaining so we hope it adds a slightly different dimension to the usual normality of searching through the fantastic properties for sale on the Cle France website.
Watch out for more rants and opinion next week or buy the book today for a rollicking good read.
