Initial construction XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Building of the original castle.
1719
Founding marriage
Founding marriage 1719 (≈ 1719)
Union Bonnevaux-Meaulne, transmission of the fief.
XVIe et XVIIe siècles
Renaissance changes
Renaissance changes XVIe et XVIIe siècles (≈ 1750)
Added hexagonal tower and architectural modifications.
7 décembre 1964
MH classification
MH classification 7 décembre 1964 (≈ 1964)
Official protection of the castle and elements.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Chapel in full, staircase outside, well (see E 478) : classification by order of 7 December 1964; Facades and roofs (Case E 473): inscription by decree of 7 December 1964
Key figures
Anne Le Jeune de Bonnevaux - Heir of the fief
Married René de Meaulne in 1719.
René de Meaulne - New Lord
He became a married owner in 1719.
Jean Graton - Author of comics
Inspired by Landeronde for *Michel Vaillant*.
Origin and history
The castle of Landeronde, located in the commune of Bécon-les-Granits en Anjou (Maine-et-Loire), is a building dating back to the 15th century. It underwent major changes in the 16th and 17th centuries, incorporating Renaissance architectural elements, such as a hexagonal tower with a spiral staircase. The castle, always surrounded by an English park, retains its original character, with L-shaped facades and an annexed chapel.
In the 17th century, Landeronde's fief belonged to the Le Jeune de Bonnevaux family. In 1719, Anne Le Jeune de Bonnevaux married René de Meaulne, integrating the estate with the family of Meaulne, who still own it today. This marriage marked a turning point in the history of the castle, which then passed into the hands of the descendants of this line, especially after the extinction of the older branch of the Marquis of Langeneil in 1744.
Ranked and listed as historic monuments in 1964, the castle of Landeronde opens its doors exceptionally during Heritage Days or upon request. Its architecture and history make it a remarkable testimony of the Angelian heritage. A notable anecdote binds the castle to the comic strip Michel Vaillant: Jean Graton would be inspired to draw the fictitious home of the Vaillant family, "la Jonquière", from 1966.
The protected elements include the chapel in its entirety, a straight staircase outside and a well, classified by decree of 7 December 1964, while facades and roofs are inscribed on the same date. The castle thus illustrates the architectural and social evolution of Anjou between the Middle Ages and the modern era.
