Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Brissac, originally a 11th century castle built by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, became in the 15th century the property of Pierre de Brézé, faithful to Charles VII. After being acquired by René de Cossé in 1502, he joined the Cossé-Brissac family, which still keeps him today. During the religious wars, Charles de Cossé, a supporter of the League, saw his castle besieged by Henry IV in 1594. After his surrender, he rebuilt it into a grand building under the direction of Jacques Corbineau, marking his architectural climax in the 17th century.

In the 17th century, the castle became the scene of a major diplomatic event: the reconciliation between Louis XIII and his mother Marie de Médicis in 1620, after three days of festivities. During the Revolution, it was requisitioned and destroyed, before being restored from 1844 by the Cossé-Brissac. In 1890, Jeanne-Marie Say, widow of Roland de Cossé, inaugurated a theatre on two floors, still visible today.

During the Second World War, the castle houses evacuees of art, including Versailles furniture and private collections. In 1944, five German soldiers killed J.B. Faucher. Since 1960, it has hosted cultural events, such as the Anjou festival, and remains open to the public with annual activities (Christmas market, egg hunt). Its architecture, combining medieval remains and Baroque style, makes it the highest castle of France, with seven levels and 204 rooms.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1958 and 1966, the castle is still owned by the Dukes of Brissac. It has been used as a setting for shows such as Secrets of History (2016, 2018) and the series The War of Thrones (2020). A local legend also evokes the appearance of a white lady, Charlotte de Valois, killed by her husband Jacques de Brézé in 1477.

Its current operation includes guided tours, event rentals, and shootings. The landscaped park and the protected interior elements (honour staircase, old kitchen) testify to its rich past. The castle is also represented at the Mini-Châteaux Park in Amboise and appears in fictional works, such as the video game Fate/stay night.

External links