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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The feudal motte of Châteauneuf is a medieval monument located in the commune of Châteauneuf, Vendée (Land of the Loire). This site includes a castral motte, a lower yard and the remains of an ancient castle, characteristic of the fortifications of this period. These elements illustrate the typical defensive and seigneurial organization of the Middle Ages, where mottes served as checkpoints and refuges for local populations.

The site has been partially protected since 1988, with an inscription under the title of Historical Monuments covering the motte, its lower yard and the remains of the castle. The location, although documented in the Merimée base, remains approximate, with an accuracy considered satisfactory a priori according to the criteria of Monumentum. The property is now shared between private actors and the municipality, without the sources specifying its accessibility to the public.

Available data from Monumentum and internal sources highlight the heritage importance of the site, but do not provide details of its specific history, builders or occupants. The absence of information about significant events or characters related to the place limits the reconstruction of its past, apart from its generic role as a medieval defensive structure.

In the Middle Ages, feudal mottes like that of Châteauneuf played a central role in the territorial organization. They served as military bases for local lords, while sheltering agricultural and artisanal activities in their lower yard. In Vendée, a region marked by feudal conflicts and trade, these fortifications contributed to the stability of the centres of power. Their implementation often reflected strategic challenges, such as controlling communication channels or natural resources.

The protection of the site in 1988 reflects the recognition of its historical value, although current sources do not allow precise dates for its construction or possible modifications. The approximate address (10 Rue du Château) and the Insee code of the commune (85062) confirm its anchoring in the territory of the Vendee, without bringing additional light on its evolution over the centuries.

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