Initial construction XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Defensive castle against the English.
1585-1610
Carpent of the commons
Carpent of the commons 1585-1610 (≈ 1598)
Sculpture and curved fenders.
1834
First transformations
First transformations 1834 (≈ 1834)
Changes inspired by Viollet-le-Duc.
1841
Change of ownership
Change of ownership 1841 (≈ 1841)
Entry into the Monti de Rezé family.
1861
New buildings
New buildings 1861 (≈ 1861)
Castle-communal link and fake mâchicoulis.
1989
First protection
First protection 1989 (≈ 1989)
Partial registration (common, pregnant).
2005
Total protection
Total protection 2005 (≈ 2005)
Registration of the entire castle.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The common wing with its 17th century frame; the vestiges of the enclosure, namely: the isolated tower, the tower flanking the wing of the communes, the wall of the lower courtyard and its gate (cf. G 655, 657): entry by order of 18 July 1989 - The castle in its entirety (Cdg. G 1666): inscription by decree of 17 February 2005
Key figures
Viollet-le-Duc - Inspiring Architect
Neogothic style applied in the 19th century.
Famille Monti de Rezé - Owner since 1841
The current owner of the castle.
Origin and history
The Château du Fief-Milon, located in Le Boupere in Vendée (Pays de la Loire), finds its origins in the 14th century as part of the defence system of Pouzauges. Built in height, it served as a watchtower against the English during the Hundred Years War, offering a strategic view of the Vendee Bocage, Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure and the Gâtine Mountains. Its military role explained its dominant position, designed to monitor and protect the region from enemy incursions.
In the 15th century, interior arrangements were made, such as a stair tower and a fireplace, while the structure of the communes, dated between 1585 and 1610, showed a transition to a less strictly defensive vocation. These elements, including sculpted punches and curved counterfiche, reflect the architectural evolution of the era, mixing utility and decoration.
The 19th century marked a radical transformation of the castle, inspired by the principles of Viollet-le-Duc. In 1834 and 1861, modifications gave the two circular towers an artificial "fortified" style, with false mâchicoulis and brick crenelages. This work, coupled with the construction of new buildings linking the castle to the communes, reflected the romantic taste for the revisited medieval. The site was also married to the Monti de Rezé family in 1841, who still own it today.
Partially protected in 1989 (common and pregnant) and in its entirety in 2005, the castle of Fief-Milon illustrates the historical strata of the Vendée, combining military heritage, residential adaptations and picturesque restorations. Its inclusion in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments highlights its heritage value, both for its architecture and its role in local history.
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