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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The malouinière de la Grande Gâtinais is a home characteristic of the shipowners of Saint-Malo, built in the 2nd half of the 18th century in Saint-Coulomb, Ille-et-Vilaine. Although Banéat evokes a possible origin in the 17th century, its architecture – imposing triangular pediment, massive lateral wings and sober model – suggests a late realization, illustrating the persistence of the classic model of the malouinières until the end of the Old Regime. The current landscaped garden, built in the 19th century, contrasts with the initial austerity of the facade, organized in two spans and two levels, where only the central span is highlighted.

The property is associated with Joseph Fouché, Minister of Police under Napoleon, who allegedly stayed there episodicly. The archives mention police surveillance of the surrounding area, linked to the conspiracy of La Rouërie (1792-1793) and the Fosse-Hingant, a nearby place where royalist plotting took place. These elements underline the strategic role of certain malouinières during the Revolution, between aristocratic residence and political stakes.

Classified as a historical monument by order of 5 June 1992, the malouinière protects its facades, roofs, as well as the access rabine (aisle bordered by trees) and fence walls. These protections cover the built and landscaped environment, demonstrating the heritage importance of the site. The sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) also highlight its status as an architectural example, between Malouin tradition and late adaptations, while noting an approximate GPS location (17 La Gâtinais, 35350 Saint-Coulomb).

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