The bishop of Laval (Mayenne) has not lived there for months now. The former bishopric located on rue Cardinal-Suhard, in the city center, was put up for sale by the diocese a month and a half ago. It has not yet found a buyer, but the sale “runs its course”, indicates Monsignor Matthieu Dupont.
The new bishop of Laval, appointed in January 2024, has taken up residence directly at the house of the fathers, a more modest dwelling in the diocesan house, rue d'Avesnières, closer to his collaborators.
A building occupied since 1908
“The former bishopric has been located on rue Cardinal-Suhard since 1908, after the law of separation of Church and State, recalls Matthieu Dupont. We are in 2024 and we can say that the bishop has changed his way of life. This large building of 450 m² no longer meets today's needs. It requires very heavy investments and is no longer entirely suitable. » The property also has two wings and a park on a plot with an area of 3,900 m² (1,900 m² of living space). Sale price: €1,316,000. The property is visible at the Citya les remparts real estate agency and at the DCBM notary office.
The idea of selling the building and its outbuildings, “already considered by Monsignor Thierry Scherrer”, predecessor of Mathieu Dupont, was validated by different bodies: the college of consultors, the episcopal council and the diocesan economic affairs council. “We will ensure that this bishopric does not become anything,” warns the current bishop. The auction house will also present lots which do not belong to the bishopric but have a religious character.
Furniture displayed before the sale
The residence does not lack furniture. Buffets, tables, chairs, statues, rugs, candelabra, lighting fixtures, clocks… A good part of these goods will be the subject of an auction on Monday January 20, 2025, from 2 p.m., at the auction house , at 47, rue du Bourny and on the website www.interencheres.com.
These objects will first be exhibited on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 27, rue du Cardinal-Suhard, in Laval. The exhibition will also be held on Monday January 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., directly at the auction house. This viewing is open to anyone who would like to view the pieces before bidding.
