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Origin and history

The Château de Montsabert, located in Anjou on the commune of Coutures (Maine-et-Loire), has its origins in the 14th century. It belonged in 1332 to Guy de Pommerieux, lord of Pommerieux, and was part of the barony of Trier. This strategic site, close to the Loire between Angers and Saumur, was reinforced in the face of English threats during the Hundred Years War.

In 1371, the castle entered the Laval family by the marriage of Jeanne de Laval-Tinténiac with Bertrand du Guesclin, a connétable of France. The latter transformed it into a fortress between 1374 and 1380, adding two enclosures, three corner towers and a square mâchicoulis pavilion. Upon his death in 1380, the estate passed to his heirs, including Marshal Gilles de Rais, before returning to the Laval-Loué until 1575.

In the 16th century, the family of Aubigné acquired the castle and built a chapel there. The following centuries saw major changes: a loggia, an orangery, and enlargements of windows gave it a Renaissance style. In the 19th century, architect René Hodé restored it entirely. Joined the Historic Monuments in 1986, it also served as a holiday settlement centre in the 20th century for the children of employees of the Francolor factory.

The castle consists of three buildings, with 14th century defensive elements (tours, mâchicoulis) and Renaissance carved details. Its protection concerns facades, roofs, orangery and chapel. Today, it bears witness to seven centuries of history, from medieval conflicts to modern usages.

The sources mention a precise location in Coutures (code Insee 49050), although some references evoke Brissac Loire Aubance. This geographical ambiguity may reflect old territorial divisions or transcription errors in archives.

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