Construction of the castle 1774-1778 (≈ 1776)
Built for Joseph François Foullon.
1778
Blessing of the chapel
Blessing of the chapel 1778 (≈ 1778)
Chapel today destroyed.
1789-1799
Destruction during the Revolution
Destruction during the Revolution 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Pilled and partially destroyed.
1805
Construction of a mill
Construction of a mill 1805 (≈ 1805)
On the foundations of the castle.
1975
City buys stables
City buys stables 1975 (≈ 1975)
For restoration and preservation.
1986
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 1986 (≈ 1986)
Protection of remains.
1987
Opening of the museum Aux Anciennes Commerces
Opening of the museum Aux Anciennes Commerces 1987 (≈ 1987)
Set up in stables.
1990
Classification of historical monuments
Classification of historical monuments 1990 (≈ 1990)
Protected facades and roofs.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Rest of the base of the castle (Box YD 7, 8): inscription by order of 1 April 1986; Facades and roofs of the 18th century entrance pavilion and stables, excluding those of the South wing (Box AN 347, 352, 515): classification by decree of 18 December 1990
Key figures
Joseph François Foullon - Baron and sponsor
Owner of the castle built for him.
Jacques Denis Antoine - Architect of the castle
Designer of Soulanger Castle.
Origin and history
The Château de Soulanger, also known as Château des Basses-Minières, was built between 1774 and 1778 in Doué-la-Fontaine, in the department of Maine-et-Loire, at the request of Baron Joseph François Foullon. Designed by the architect Jacques Denis Antoine, it consisted of three levels: a vaulted basement with kitchens and cellars, an elevated ground floor housing living rooms and bedrooms, and two floors dedicated to rooms and servants. A chapel, now destroyed, was blessed in 1778.
During the French Revolution, the castle was looted and destroyed, leaving only its base, its stables and an entrance pavilion. The stables, sold as National Property, were divided into lots and used as a farm or storage site. The city bought them back in 1975 to restore them, and since 1987 it has been home to the Musée Aux Anciens Commerces. The site was listed as a historic monument in 1986 and listed in 1990.
The park and some outbuildings, such as the south wing of the stables and the entrance pavilion, were redesigned in the 19th century. A barn was converted into a church in 1811, and a windmill was built on the foundations of the castle in 1805. Today, the remains of the castle, the entrance pavilion and stables are visible in the Foullon rose garden, a free-access municipal park.
The stables, owned by the commune, retain elements of 18th century origin, such as chimneys, frames, dugouts and stone sinks. These remains bear witness to the architecture and way of life of the time. The Aux Anciens Commerces Museum, located in these stables, allows you to discover the local history and trades of the past.
