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Origin and history

The Château du Bois Saumussay is a 16th-century mansion located on the delegated town of Chacé, within Bellevigne-les-Châteaux (Maine-et-Loire). It is a central house-porch surrounded by a square courtyard, bounded by courtines and three quadrangular corner towers, of which only the southeast one was confirmed by archaeological excavations in 2007. The site, a private property, preserves traces of a medieval wall dating from the 13th or 14th century, which structured the estate for centuries.

The land of Saumussay, mentioned from the thirteenth century, belonged to a chivalrous family allied with the Maillé. It passed successively to the Prévost families (XVth century), of Laval (XVIth century), then was acquired in 1572 by the Maillés, who redesigned the site and built the southeast tower. In 1682 Thomas Dreux obtained Saumussay by exchange, integrating him into the Marquisat of Brézé. The castle, partially protected since 1970, includes in its classification the facades of the seigneurial house, two enclosure towers, and two historic gates.

The estate illustrates the architectural evolution of the Angelvin manors, combining medieval defensive elements (courtesy, towers) and a Renaissance residence. Its history reflects the seigneurial alliances and transmissions typical of Anjou, between noble families and rising bourgeoisie. The 2007 excavations revealed remains of the southeast tower, confirming original plans, while the absence of a southwest tower suggests further adaptations.

Ranked a historic monument in 1970, the Saumussay Wood Castle bears witness to the strategic and symbolic importance of manor houses in the Angelvin rural landscape. Its hybrid architecture — between fortress and residence of pleasure — and its history linked to lines such as the Maillés or the Dreux make it a representative example of the Ligerian heritage of the Renaissance.

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