Construction of housing 1610-1620 (≈ 1615)
From a pre-existing mansion.
1628
Richelieu stay
Richelieu stay 1628 (≈ 1628)
Return of the siege of La Rochelle, not confirmed.
1738
Adding a low wing
Adding a low wing 1738 (≈ 1738)
And two turrets in corbellation.
1972
Destruction of a turret
Destruction of a turret 1972 (≈ 1972)
Change of original architecture.
13 juillet 1987
First registration for historical monuments
First registration for historical monuments 13 juillet 1987 (≈ 1987)
Protection of the castle as a heritage.
30 septembre 2024
Supplementary registration
Supplementary registration 30 septembre 2024 (≈ 2024)
Protection extended to the park and outbuildings.
septembre 2024
Additional registration of the park and buildings
Additional registration of the park and buildings septembre 2024 (≈ 2024)
Extension of heritage protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs of the two wings of the castle, the Courtyard of Justice and the remaining enclosure tower; entry portal; inside the castle: stone staircase from the 17th century, the two stone fireplaces from the 17th century to the first floor, the Louis XV fireplace from the living room and its rumeau (see E 308, 408, 409, 502): inscription by decree of 13 July 1987; All the built and unbuilt elements of the Parc du Château de Montlivault, except the interiors, as shown in green on the plan annexed to the Order. These elements are shown in the cadastral plan section AB on plots Nos. 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481: inscription by order of 30 September 2024
Key figures
Cardinal de Richelieu - Stateman and clerk
Reportedly stayed in 1628 (uncertain source).
Origin and history
The Château de Montlibault found its origins in a pre-existing mansion, transformed between 1610 and 1620 by the construction of a large house. This first construction site marks the transition to a more imposing residence, characteristic of the aristocratic architecture of the early seventeenth century. The interior already preserves remarkable elements such as a stone staircase and carved chimneys, testimonies of this period.
In 1738, the castle underwent major modifications with the addition of a lower wing aligned with the main body and two corbelling turrets (one destroyed in 1972). These amenities reflect the evolution of tastes towards more symmetry and comfort, with the addition of Louis XV panelling and a fireplace characteristic of this style. In the same year, a vault was built to connect both parts of the park above the road, illustrating the importance attached to landscape integration.
The monument is associated with a major historical event: in 1628, Cardinal de Richelieu would have stayed at the castle on his return from the siege of La Rochelle, highlighting his role as a place of passage for the political figures of the time. This anecdote, although not documented in detail in the sources, reinforces Montlibault's strategic importance in the region.
Ranked a historic monument since 1987 for its facades, roofs and interior elements (scenes, fireplaces), the castle sees its protection extended in 2024 to the whole park and outbuildings. This double inscription bears witness to the architectural and landscape heritage value of the site, thus preserving a representative example of the evolution of noble residences in the Loire Valley between Renaissance and the Enlightenment.
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