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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château du Plessis-de-Vair, located in Vair-sur-Loire (Loire-Atlantique), finds its origins in the 12th century with a feudal fortress surrounded by moats, property of Samuel de Vair in 1100. This site would have inspired Chrétien de Troyes for his Conte du Grail, becoming the legendary "Château de Verre" or "Château aux 500 windows". Vair's family remained the owner until 1482 when Hervé de Vair sold it to Sévestre du Chaffault, and then to Jean de Cardonne, general finance of Brittany.

In the 15th century, the medieval fortress was replaced by a castle, of which two round towers, a dovecote and archives remain. In 1518 King Francis I and Queen Claude of France stayed there for two months, accompanied by Anne Boleyn, future Queen of England. The estate then passed into the hands of influential families: the Tissart, the d'Argy, and then the Breil, before being acquired in 1605 by Guillaume de la Noue. Cornulier's family, who owned the 17th century from 1664 to 1869, erected two square towers, a chapel, an orangery and entrance pavilions, transforming the site into a marquisate.

The castle was thoroughly redesigned in the 19th and 20th centuries to harmonize its medieval and classical elements, with recent restoration campaigns (tours, stained glass of the chapel by François Devouge, walls of the moat). Joined historical monuments in 1980 and 2003, it has been a member of the Allizon family since 2011. Today, his rental for events funds his maintenance, perpetuating a heritage linked to the Arthurian legends and the history of Brittany.

The protected elements include the facades and roofs of 17th century buildings (pavillons, towers, orangery), water moats, as well as commons and stables. The site, open to the public, combines architectural heritage and cultural dynamism, while preserving traces of the Knights of the Round Table and the French Renaissance.

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