Construction of the castle 1642-1650 (≈ 1646)
Reconstruction by Guillaume Harouys and François Mansart.
18 juin 1963
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 18 juin 1963 (≈ 1963)
Front, roof and courtyard protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs of the buildings surrounding the courtyard; wall closing this courtyard to the east; floor of the court (box H 179): entry by order of 18 June 1963
Key figures
Guillaume Harouys - Sponsor
Owner initiate the reconstruction of the castle.
François Mansart - Architect
Designer of the castle, figure of classicism.
Origin and history
The Château de l'Épinay, located in Carquefu (Loire-Atlantique), is a 17th-century building built between 1642 and 1650 on the remains of an ancient castle damaged during the Wars of Religion. Guillaume Harouys, then owner, entrusts his reconstruction to architect François Mansart, a major figure in French classicism. This new castle embodies post-religious architectural renewal, combining elegance and symmetry.
The owners succeeded each other over the centuries: the Harrouys, Becdelièvre, Taverne, Linsens, Boucher d'Argis and Montbeillard families marked its history. The monument, partially preserved, sees its facades, roofs and the courtyard inscribed in the Historical Monuments in 1963. Its inscription bears witness to its heritage value, linked to its architecture and its aristocratic past.
The château of the Epinay is part of the landscape of the Ligerian castles, reflecting the influence of the great architects of the Great Century. Although sources mention possible contemporary uses (visits, rentals), no specific details are provided on its current access or functions. Its history remains above all that of a noble residence, transformed by the hazards of centuries.
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