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Origin and history

The Château de Bourmont, located in the commune of Vallons-de-l'Erdre (former delegated commune of Freigné) in the Loire-Atlantique, has its origins in the 15th century. It rises in a valley crossed by the stream of Venoux, typical of the aquatic castles of the region. Its foundations rest on a seigneury established in the 14th century, replacing that of Freigné, and successively belonged to the La Tour-Landry families, then Maillé de La Tour-Landry, before passing, in 1691, to the Ghaisne de Bourmont by alliance. The estate preserves medieval remains, including a 15th century north tower and renovated tower bases.

The architecture of the castle reflects various periods: the North Tower (15th century), the commons and orangery (1702, Louis XIV style), and a neo-Gothic house (1892-1894) designed by architects Auguste Bibard and Le Diberder. The 99-hectare park, enclosed by walls between 1788 and 1791, also houses a farmhouse with probably 15th-century towers. In 1795, during the caulianry, the Viscount de Scépaux established its headquarters there. The castle was partially inscribed in the Historical Monuments in 1993, protecting its medieval defensive elements and 18th century buildings.

The castle is inseparable from Marshal Louis Auguste Victor de Ghaisne de Bourmont (1773–46), born and died on the spot. A major military figure, he led the capture of Algiers in 1830, an act which earned him his title as Marshal of France. Its heritage still permeates the site, notably through the recomposition of the castle in its memory in the 19th century. The materials used — shale, tufteau, and brick — illustrate local resources and regional constructive techniques, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Today, Bourmont Castle bears witness to eight centuries of history, from medieval conflicts to revolutionary upheavals, including the architectural fascists of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Its combination of styles — defensive, classical and neo-Gothic — makes it a rare example of historical stratification in the Pays de la Loire. The outbuildings (dryer, pig house, water castle) date from the last quarter of the 19th century, complementing this multi-faceted heritage.

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