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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château des Carmes came into being in the 11th century when Jean de Beaugency, seigneur of La Flèche, chose to build a fortress on an island of the Loir around 1050. Protected by hydraulic fortifications and outposts, this strategic position allows it to control commercial traffic between Blois and Angers by introducing rights of way. The fortress, burned in 1081 by Foulques-le-Réchin and rebuilt, also houses a chapel, Notre-Dame-du-Chef-du-Pont, visited by Saint-Louis in 1230 and Thomas Becket. Occupied by the English during the Hundred Years' War, she was released in 1418.

In the 15th century, René d'Alençon partially rebuilt the castle, but it, considered uncomfortable, was abandoned in favour of the "Château-Neuf". In 1620 Louis XIII stayed there and, appalled by his condition, gave up the chapel to the Cistercians in 1623. The latter returned it to the Carmelites in 1640, who turned the fortress into a convent after having shaved a large part of the medieval buildings. Religious remained there until the Revolution, when the site was sold as a national good in 1794 to François Bertron, a merchant.

In the 20th century, the castle became a municipal issue. Purchased in 1907 by a merchant of goods to be returned to the city, it is intended to accommodate the town hall, then located in the former Halle-au-Blé. A fire ravaged much of the buildings in 1919, leaving only the 15th century tower standing. The castle was partially restored and the town hall was finally built in 1928. In 1994, a modern extension was added to meet administrative needs, while the historic spaces now host exhibitions and ceremonies.

From an architectural point of view, the castle occupies two islets in a meander of the Loir. Only the medieval tower of the 15th century, rebuilt with neo-classical turrets in 1880, remains. The house body, rebuilt by the Carmelites, includes a square floor and a top. The old chapel, separated by a water cloister, and the honorary courtyard closed by a monumental gate complete the whole. Contemporary additions, signed by architects like Adrien Fainsilber, are integrated into the southeast corner of the site.

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