Initial construction XIe siècle (1er quart) (≈ 1150)
By Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou.
Après 1210
Medieval reconstruction
Medieval reconstruction Après 1210 (≈ 1210)
Pregnant and towers added.
XVe siècle
Adding the house
Adding the house XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Stair tower and facilities.
1574
Fire by Huguenots
Fire by Huguenots 1574 (≈ 1574)
Major damage during wars.
1626
Destruction of the chapel
Destruction of the chapel 1626 (≈ 1626)
Saint Stephen's church shaved.
1999
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1999 (≈ 1999)
Protection of the entire field.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
All of the castle, including its moats (cad. A 515, 363, 364): registration by order of 9 August 1999
Key figures
Foulques Nerra - 3rd Earl of Anjou (987–1040)
Sponsor of the castle in the 11th century.
Famille de Falloux - Current owners
Owned the estate since the 19th century.
Origin and history
Passavant Castle, located in Passavant-sur-Layon in the department of Maine-et-Loire, was built in the 11th century by Foulques Nerra, 3rd Earl of Anjou (987–1040). This castle was one of the 27 fortifications built to defend Anjou, strategically dominating the Layon River. Originally conceived as a military place, it evolved towards a wine-growing function over the centuries.
In the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt after its ruin, with a enclosure flanked by towers. A high towered stairhouse was added in the 15th century, reinforcing its defensive architecture. Damaged during the Wars of Religion (fire in 1574) and partially burned during the Revolution, it underwent minor renovations in the 17th–15th centuries, including a new home and wine cellars around 1930.
Among the notable remains remain the medieval enclosure, towers (including a destroyed chapel), a dungeon with a treasure room, and a remodeled 13th century dovecote. The chapel of Saint-Étienne, erected as a cure in the 15th century, was razed in 1626. The estate, now owned by the Falloux family, has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1999 for its 42 hectares, including moats and buildings.
The site illustrates the transition from a Comtal fortress to a winery, while maintaining traces of its strategic past. Its portal and bridge date from the 16th century, while the remains of the parish church recall its religious and community role before its destruction.
