Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Faucille, located in L'Hôtellerie-de-Flée (Maine-et-Loire), is a 17th-century building, former fief and seigneury mentioned from the beginning of the 15th century. In 1531 Renée de la Faucille founded a chapel there, marking a first historical trace of the site. The present castle, built in the 17th century, presents a body of central houses flanked by two short wings, with tufted architectural elements like the doors framed by bosses and surmounted by curved frontons. The outbuildings, organized in U around a courtyard, include a barn, a barn, a 17th century runaway, and a farm house built in 1900.

The estate extends around a long north avenue leading to a bridge across the Oudon, bordered by bastion. To the south, terraced gardens descend towards the river, combining flowered areas, grasses and pleasant gardens. The chapel, rebuilt in the 19th century, is home to a false arch that is laminated. The castle underwent reshuffles in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially on its north and south elevations, as well as on the communes, partially transformed in 1898. In 1895, part of the castle was even fitted out as a photography workshop, reflecting an adaptation of uses over time.

Ranked a historic monument in 1972 for its facades, roofs, wrought iron staircase, chapel and escape, the castle and its 23 hectare park were also protected as a natural site classified by decree of 20 September 1973. These protections highlight the heritage value of a preserved architectural and landscape ensemble, mixing seigneurial heritage, agricultural transformations and modern adaptations. Local materials, such as the shale for dependencies or tuft for supervision, demonstrate regional resources and know-how.

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