Château de la Roche-Bagnoles (La Roche-Bagnoles Castle)

This neo-Renaissance château was built between 1855-1859 by wealthy landowner Anne-Marie-Catherine Goupil, designed by architect David from Le Mans. The elegant sandstone building features symmetrical façades with large windows, two granite corner towers, and decorative red brick turrets above the entrance. Since 1966, the château has served as the town hall of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, so interior access is limited to the entrance hall during office hours. The main attraction is the surrounding 18-hectare arboretum, designed by the same architect in 1859, featuring over 150 botanical species including approximately 20 sequoias - one Giant Sequoia here ranks as the second tallest in France. The park is free to explore year-round and offers peaceful walks among centuries-old exotic trees. A small guidebook (2€) is available at the tourist office for self-guided botanical tours.