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Origin and history

Bourgon Castle, located on the Belgian road to Montourtier (Mayenne), is a 15th-century building whose history is marked by an exceptional owner's stability: in 600 years, it has changed hands only twice. Its origins date back to 1406, when Jean de Montecler acquired the land of Bourgon, which remained in his descendants until 1577. The castle, built in stone, retains a main hall and an original staircase, while other rooms, such as the small living room, could come from an ancient castle.

In the 17th century, the seigneury of Bourgon was under the control of several authorities, including the Count of Laval, the Duke of Mayenne, and the Abbey of Fontaine-Daniel. A confession of 1663, given by Madeleine de Souvré (widow of the Marquis de Sablé) to Henri I of La Tremeille, confirms this feudal dependence. The castle then housed remarkable elements such as the farmhouse of the Fromagerie, linked to the abbey. At that time, he passed into the hands of the Montmorency, then, after the death of the grandsons of the Marquise de Sablé, to his niece Anne de Souvré, Marquise de Louvois, before being transmitted in 1715 to Louis-François Anne de Neufville-Villeroy, Duke of Villeroy and Retz.

The architecture of the castle mixes 15th century remains (main room, staircase) with subsequent additions, such as 18th century woodwork. His treasures include an ancient library, a charterer over 600 years old, the "blue cabinet" of the Marquise de Sablé, and a chapel dating back to 1528. A bridge crosses the old moat, now dried up. Ranked a historic monument in 1996 (for the castle, the bridge and the gate) and partially listed in 1994 (accessory buildings), it was bought in 2004 by Mr. and Mrs. Ducatillon. Restoration work, supported by the French Heritage Society, was carried out between 2010 and 2012.

The castle illustrates the architectural and social evolution of a Mayen seigneury, from feudal conflicts of the 15th century to transformations of the 17th and 18th centuries. Its charter and archives make it a valuable source for local history, while its limited transmission between noble families (Montecler, Montmorency, Souvré, Villeroy) reflects the alliances and legacy of the French aristocracy. Today, there remains a living testimony of this heritage, open to visit and preserved by its current owners.

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