Domfront

Domfront crowns a steep rocky ridge above the River Varenne, its castle and walls guarding the frontier between the provinces of Normandy and Maine. The fortress was held in succession by powerful lords and kings, and the medieval town grew along the ridge beneath its protection. During the Hundred Years' War the English occupied Domfront from 1356 to 1366 and again from 1418 to 1450.

In 1574 the Protestant commander Gabriel de Montgomery took refuge in the castle during the Wars of Religion. Royal troops under Marshal Matignon besieged the stronghold and forced its surrender in May; Montgomery was captured and later executed. In 1608 Sully ordered the castle dismantled, bringing an end to the military career of a fortress that had commanded the border for centuries.