Château-Gontier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Château-Gontier
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Part of Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
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Château-Gontier seen from the Europe Bridge
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 Château-Gontier
Location in France
Château-Gontier
Location in Pays de la Loire
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Pays de la Loire | |
| Department | Mayenne | |
| Arrondissement | Château-Gontier | |
| Canton | Château-Gontier | |
| Commune | Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne | |
| Area
1
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27.88 km2 (10.76 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2019)
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11,852 | |
| • Density | 425.11/km2 (1,101.02/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
53200
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| Elevation | 26–99 m (85–325 ft) (avg. 83 m or 272 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Château-Gontier was once a town (called a commune) in the Mayenne area of north-western France. On January 1, 2019, it became part of a bigger new town called Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne.
Contents
Where is Château-Gontier?
Château-Gontier is located in north-western France. It is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Laval. Laval is the main city of the Mayenne area.
Animal Refuge
A special place in Château-Gontier is the Refuge de l'Arche. It is also known as the Ark Refuge. This refuge helps animals that have been abandoned or treated badly.
A Look at History
Château-Gontier has a long and interesting history.
How the Town Started
The town got its start and its name from a castle. This castle was built in the early 1000s. A man named Gunther, who worked for Fulk Nerra of Anjou, built it. He built it on land that belonged to monks.
Important Events
The town has seen many important events. There are natural springs nearby with iron in their water. Château-Gontier faced tough times during some wars. In 1793, a group called the Vendeans took over the town.
Culture and Old Buildings
Château-Gontier has many old and important buildings. These buildings are listed as historical monuments.
Historic Buildings to See
- The old castle, now in ruins, was built in the 1200s.
- The church of Saint John Baptist dates back to the 1000s.
- The church of the Holy Trinity is also very old.
- The chapel of Le Genneteil was built in the 1100s.
- The chapel of Le Moulinet is from the 1500s.
- The Hôtel de Lantivy is a grand house from the 1600s.
Famous People from Château-Gontier
Many notable people were born or lived in Château-Gontier.
- Conan II, Duke of Brittany was a duke who was found dead here.
- Claude Pompidou was born in Château-Gontier. She was the wife of a former French president.
- General Emile-René Lemonnier was born and buried here. He was an important military leader.
- Louis-François Allard (1735-1819) was a doctor and a politician.
- Guy de Charnacé (1825–1909) was born here. He was a writer and studied music.
- Alexis Roger (1814–1846) was a French composer born in the town.
- Olivier Peslier is a famous French horse racing jockey who was born here.
See also
In Spanish: Château-Gontier para niños
