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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Saint-Michel, originally called the Motte Boulain in the 13th and 14th centuries, already adopts a square plan girded with moats. The northwest wing, with its characteristic frames, and the circular dovecote on two levels probably date from the fourth quarter of the 15th century. These elements, as well as the brick vaulted entrance chestnut (rebuilt in 1591), testify to its medieval defensive role.

During the Wars of Religion, the castle was looted (1562) and partially destroyed (1576). In the 19th century, its structure changed radically: the south-west wing was raised and drilled around 1850, while the northeast wing was shot down. From the original castle, only the châtelet (with its vaulted passage and habitable floors) and the north tower transformed into a dovecote remain today, the latter housing bolts under a pan-wood floor.

The transformations continued in the 18th and 19th centuries, with partial overhauls of the building bodies and the addition of a barn. The site, partially protected since 1989 (châtelet, moat, dove and eastern turret), thus illustrates several architectural states, from medieval remains to modern adaptations. The moat and the dormant bridge (replacing the old drawbridge) recall its defensive past, while the brick and torchi elements reveal various constructive techniques.

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