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  2. Patrimoine
  3. Pays-de-la-Loire
  4. Mayenne
  5. 53200 Ménil

  6. Magnanne Castle

 Magnanne Castle à Ménil en Mayenne

Patrimoine classé
Patrimoine défensif
Demeure seigneuriale
Château
Mayenne

Magnanne Castle

    Magnanne
    53200 Ménil
Private property
Museums of France
All the castles of France
Château de Magnanne
Château de Magnanne
Crédit photo : Pemena - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1700
1800
1900
2000
1680–1700
Construction of the castle
1701
Erection in marquisat
1755
Change of ownership
6 août 1958
Historical Monument
2024
Sale
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Facades and roofs of the main house body and two wings in return; facades and roofs of the building of the communes located in the South; floor of the court and moats; entrance halls and marble staircase; two service stairs; dining room and room that follows him south; large living room located in the North with its console; Salon des portraits et salon des maskes (Box B 481) : classification by decree of 6 August 1958

Key figures

Michel de Racappé - Lord and builder Have the castle built (1680–1700).
Henri-François de Racappé - 1st Marquis de Magnanne Decorate the castle, spiritual author.
Salomon-François II de La Tullaye - Attorney-General of Brittany Owner from 1755.
Edmond de Sabran-Pontevès - Duke and Mayor of Ménil Owner from 1883 to 1903.
Édouard Creuzé de Lesser - Buyer in 1923 Baron, last known private owner.

Origin and history

Magnanne Castle, located in the commune of Ménil (Mayenne, Pays de la Loire), was built between 1680 and 1700 by Michel de Racappé, local lord. The land was erected as a marquisat by Louis XIV in 1701, marking its importance in the nobility hierarchy. The castle, of classic style, reflects the architectural influence of the period, with facades and moats still visible today.

The property passed by successive alliances to the families of La Tullaye (1755) and then Sabran-Pontevès (1883), before being sold in 1923 to Baron Édouard Creuzé de Lesser. The Marquis Henri-François de Racappé, owner at the beginning of the eighteenth century, completed his interior decoration and published spiritual works, illustrating the link between this place and the intellectual and religious elite of the time.

Ranked Historic Monument in 1958 for its facades, roofs, moats and interior elements (marble staircases, living rooms), the castle embodies almost three centuries of aristocratic history. In 2024, it was put on sale for more than €3 million, highlighting its heritage value and attractiveness.

Successive owners, such as the Racappé (XVth-15th centuries) or the La Tullaye, marked local history, some occupying prestigious positions (procursors general of Brittany, mayors of Menil). The castle also served as a framework for family events, such as the marriage of 1812 in its chapel.

Architecturally, the castle consists of a central house body flanked by two wings, with communes to the south. Its park and moat, partially preserved, recall its defensive and residential role. The interior salons, such as the portrait salon or the large living room, bear witness to a refined 18th century décor.

Today, Magnanne Castle remains a symbol of the Mayan heritage, combining nobiliary history, classical architecture and legal protection. Its recent sale revives interest in this jewel of the Pays de la Loire, between local memory and tourist potential.

External links

Page Wikipedia
Page Monumentum