Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château-Gaillard hotel, also known as Moriceau de Cheusse, is an iconic building in Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée. Its origin dates back to a villa in Thiverçay, owned by a Merovingian chef in the 5th century. After centuries of blurred history, the site became in the 17th century the residence of the Senechal of Fontenay, Moriceau de Cheusse, who occupied it in 1691. Fired and rebuilt in 1703 under the name Maison de Cheuse, it also houses Bishop Henri de Bethune, bishop of Maillezais. The Revolution transformed him into a National House, before a new fire in 1795.

The current building, rebuilt between 1811 and 1816 for André-Charles Dubois, rests on the basements of a 16th century residence, probably built for the Le Venyer family. Its portal, adorned with monumental sculptures (Laocoon, Diane, Hercules) by Jacob Maurain and Baptiste Giroul in 1703, is a rare example of regional baroque art. These works, commissioned for 3,423 pounds, were preserved despite the successive destructions. The hotel, sold in 1816 to Nicolas-Quentin Pichard du Page, still bears the traces of its many transformations.

Ranked a historic monument in 2009 for its portal, the hotel illustrates the architectural and political evolution of Fontenay-le-Comte, from the Merovingians to the Restoration. The 16th century basements, re-used carved stones and archives mention prestigious occupants, such as Governor Charles Eschallard de la Boulaye (from 1588) or Bishop Henri de Béthune. Despite the changes (including those of 1938 by architect Faradesh), the site retains a major heritage value, linked to its turbulent history and exceptional art.

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