Construction of the current castle 1710-1718 (≈ 1714)
Partial replacement of the old castle.
XIXe siècle
Destruction of a northern wing
Destruction of a northern wing XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Change in original structure.
8 juillet 1988
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 8 juillet 1988 (≈ 1988)
Protection of facades, towers and dovecote.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs; tower housing the chapel; Pigeon; two towers surrounding the poterne; poterne (cad. AE 91, 90, 38): registration by order of 8 July 1988
Key figures
Mignard - Painter assigned
Suspected author of a canvas in the living room.
Origin and history
The castle of Marsay is a building located in the commune of Missé, in the department of Deux-Sèvres (Nouveau-Aquitaine). Built between 1710 and 1718, it partially replaces an old castle whose elements remain such as the entrance poter, the corner towers, and a dovecote. Access to the court of honor, framed by two round towers, is via a large avenue. The west tower, transformed into a chapel, and the main house body testify to this reconstruction of the early eighteenth century.
Inside, the castle preserves a stone staircase with balusters dating back to its construction, as well as a 19th-century chimney tromeau housing a canvas attributed to the painter Mignard. A north wing, in return for square, was destroyed in the 19th century, partially changing the original structure. The monument has been inscribed in the Monuments Historique since 8 July 1988, protecting its facades, roofs, the tower-chapel, the dovecote, and the remains of the poterne.
The estate illustrates the architectural evolution between the 17th and 18th centuries, mixing traces of ancient fortifications with a more classical style. Its inscription reflects its heritage interest, both in its history and in preserved artistic elements, such as the painting attributed to Mignard. The location in Missa, near Thouars, makes it a witness to the local history of Poitou, marked by the transformation of seigneurial residences into periods of relative peace.
