Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Château du Vieux Bagneux is an iconic monument located in Saumur, in the department of Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region. It consists of a set of buildings mainly built in the 15th and 19th centuries, incorporating the remains of an ancient 13th century fortress. The walls of the enclosure, partially damaged to the south after losing their defensive function, testify to its medieval past. The castle park, planted with 19th century trees, has been classified as a Natural Site since 1966, adding a landscape and ecological dimension to this historic heritage.

The facades and roofs of the old buildings, including the orange grove, the leak (pigeon) and the south and west fence wall, were listed as historic monuments in 1970. This protection highlights the architectural and cultural importance of the site, which combines medieval defensive elements with more recent developments. The castle thus illustrates the evolution of needs and styles throughout the centuries, from its initial military function to its residential and landscape role.

Although the available sources do not mention specific historical characters or events related to the castle, its inclusion in the list of historical monuments of Maine-et-Loire highlights its anchoring in the local heritage. The site is also referenced in the Merimée base, dedicated to architecture, which facilitates its study and preservation. The Château du Vieux Bagneux remains a silent testimony of the architectural and social transformations of the region, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era.

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