Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Mégaudais came into being in the 17th century, where a simple seigneurial house was built near the church. This building, restored in 1846 and expanded and embellished in 1895 in Renaissance style, is distinguished by its terraces, greenhouses, and a 19th century park designed by landscape architect Edward André. A chestnut avenue and a piece of water complete this set, while a horizontal sundial dating from 1628 adorns the garden.

The castle is located 5 kilometers from the village of Saint-Pierre-des-Landes, on the edge of the national 12. Nearby, the village was a notable gathering place, as evidenced by the event of the night of 15 April 1797, where a detachment of Erneeus dispersed a crowd of fifteen hundred men and confiscated sacred ornaments in the church and the town. This historical context reflects the local tensions of the revolutionary era.

The estate was linked to the family of Crüy, owner of the presbytery and mixed school in the early 20th century, built in the 19th century. These buildings, maintained by the Briouze sisters, illustrate the religious and social influence of the family. The garden of the presbytery also housed a rare variety of juniper, the Genista Andrea, discovered and multiplied by the parish priest André Powery around 1875.

The castle of Mégaudais is mentioned in historical sources such as a parish and branch, highlighting its local importance. Its park, architectural elements and history make it a monument representative of the Mayan heritage, linked to figures such as Édouard André and the family of Crüy.

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