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Origin and history

The Château de Champtocé, built on a schistose promontory overlooking the Loire and the Romme, is mentioned as early as the year 1000 under the name of Cantosciaco. Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, initially infeoded there a vassal named Orry before entrusting it, at the beginning of the eleventh century, to the family of Champtocé, knights responsible for controlling river traffic. Around 1075-1084, the site is called castelum, confirming its defensive role. In the 12th century, the fief passed into the hands of the House of Craon through the marriage of Tiphaine de Champtocé with Maurice I de Craon, marking the beginning of a long possession by this lineage.

In the Middle Ages, Champtocé became a strategic stronghold of Anjou on the right bank of the Loire, serving both as a bulwark against the Duchy of Brittany and as a lucrative river toll. In 1212, during the war between Capetians and Plantagenes, Amauri de Craon supported Philippe Auguste and undertook to give him the fortress. The castle takes its present form in the 13th century, with a enclosure with eleven towers. His reputation is mainly related to Gilles de Rais (1405-1440), born in his walls, Marshal of France and companion of Jeanne d'Arc, who sold him in 1437 to the Duke of Brittany Jean V before his execution for crimes.

After 1437, the castle passed under Breton control with the House of Montfort, then was played by the Valois kings (Charles VII, Louis XI) during the nobiliary leagues of the 15th century. An agreement of 1486 attributed to Francis d'Avaugour, the natural son of Duke Francis II, whose descendants preserved him until 1699. In the 18th century, the estate was sold to the Walsh family via Madeleine-Diane de Bautru de Serrant. Today, there is only one double door chestnut (carrying and pedestrian), a steep tower, and underground rooms accessible by a poterne. The absence of archaeological studies leaves its internal organization largely unknown.

Ranked a historic monument in 1926, the Château de Champtocé embodies medieval military architecture, marked by its geostrategic role between Anjou and Brittany. Its history reflects feudal conflicts, marriage alliances and economic issues related to the Loire, the major river of trade and transport in the Middle Ages. The present, though partial, remains testify to its past importance as the first line of defence and symbol of seigneurial power.

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