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Origin and history

The convent Notre-Dame des Anges de Saint-Aignan, founded in 1641 by Nicolas Servien and Charles de Bauquemare, king's councillors, belonged to the order of Cîteaux. This convented prioress of nuns, implanted in the present Loir-et-Cher, reflected the influence of local elites and monarchy under Louis XIII. The buildings, typical of 17th century religious architecture, included a chapel, a bell tower, and convenual spaces organized around a court of honour.

The French Revolution marked a turning point for the convent: in 1790 an inventory of property was made, followed by the sealing in 1791. The chapel and its bell tower were destroyed after their acquisition by the Count of Saint-Aignan. In the 19th century, the Prince of Chalais converted a part of the place into a silkworm farm, profoundly changing the structure. Two rooms on the first floor, the courtyard gallery, and a junction wing were transformed to house workers or industrial activities.

From the late 19th century onwards, the convent building became a primary school. This reconversion led to major improvements: partial restoration of the cloister, transformation of the wing destroyed into a meadow and then into a classroom, and conversion of the house from entry to a dormitory. The main floor was even fitted out in a gymnasium. A 1900-style pavilion, built on old foundations, housed the guard. These adaptations illustrate the evolution of the uses of religious heritage in France.

Today, the site has retained protected elements since 2006, such as the monumental gate, the fence walls, the entrance pavilion with its 17th century fireplace, and the floors of the courtyards and the garden. These remains bear witness to the many lives of the convent, between spirituality, industry and education, while anchoring the monument in the local history of Saint-Aignan and the Loire Valley.

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