Renovation by René Cléreau 1590 (≈ 1590)
Registration "RC 1590 AH" certified.
1640
Construction of a chapel
Construction of a chapel 1640 (≈ 1640)
Destroyed later (19th century).
4e quart XVIe siècle
Initial construction
Initial construction 4e quart XVIe siècle (≈ 1687)
Logis-porche and built-up defensive devices.
1870
Major destruction
Major destruction 1870 (≈ 1870)
Part of the 16th century shaved.
14 juin 1995
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 14 juin 1995 (≈ 1995)
Protected facades and roofs.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
All façades and roofs (Box ZV 91): inscription by decree of 14 June 1995
Key figures
René Cléreau - Sponsor of work
Author of the renovation of 1590.
Origin and history
The castle of Gatine is a building of the 4th quarter of the 16th century, located in the commune of Fougeré (Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire). It is distinguished by its house-porch dated 1590, integrated into a defensive device built during the Wars of Religion. The drawbridge, coupled with a boathouse, spans the moat, reflecting its role both residential and military. An inscription ("RC 1590 AH") attests to the work done by René Cléreau, a figure associated with his transformation.
In 1640, a chapel was added to the estate, but it disappeared in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, during which time considerable destruction affected the original castle. In 1870, part of the 16th century buildings were razed, and a "Louis XIII" style mansion was erected in the east, before being destroyed in the 20th century. Only all the remaining facades and roofs are listed in the Historical Monuments by order of 14 June 1995, under the property of a private company.
The site illustrates the architectural and strategic changes of the Angelian castles between Renaissance and modern times. Its history combines defensive heritage, residential adaptations and heritage losses, while preserving emblematic elements such as house-porch or moat. The sources (Merimée, Monumentum) underline its anchoring in the local landscape, between Baugé-en-Anjou and Fougeré, two communes now linked administratively.
