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Origin and history

The fortifications of Châtelais, located in the department of Maine-et-Loire, form a medieval defensive ensemble whose remains date mainly from the thirteenth century. At that time, the parish depended on the Barony of Pouancé, a strategic territory on the border between Anjou and Brittany. The enclosure, lined with a castle now extinct, was overlooking the Oudon river and was pierced by at least three doors: the Guerchoise gate (west), the Craonnaise gate (east) and the Saint-Michel poterno. These fortifications reflected an archaic military architecture, marked by the absence of fire openings and simple defence systems, such as wooden vantals.

In 1423, during the Hundred Years' War, the town of Châtelais was attacked by the English troops of William Poole, who destroyed a large part of the enclosure and probably the castle. The remains suffered further damage during the Wars of Religion in the late 16th century, reducing the whole to some elements visible today. The Craonnaise gate, already very degraded, was definitely destroyed in the 19th century. Only three remains remain: the Guerchoise gate (rectangular door tower with access staircase), a side of courtine with a square tower and the foundations of a round tower, all built in tuffeau and schist.

The fortifications of Châtelais illustrate the geopolitical stakes of the region, located on a line of conflict between Anjou and Brittany. The land, originally owned by John II of Alençon (Lord of Pouancé), was sold to Louis of Rohan to finance his ransom after his capture by the English. The site, which was listed as a historic monument in 1964, also bears witness to medieval defence techniques, with full massifs and narrow passages designed to slow down the attackers. Today, the remains, partially private, offer a limited but valuable overview of this missing stronghold.

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