Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house of La Vérie, also called Château de La Vérie, finds its origins in the 9th century as a strong place against the Norman and Scandinavian invasions. In the 12th century, it passed under the tutelage of the Templiers de Coudrie, then in 1400 became the property of Guillaume du Plantis, lord of La Guyonnière, by marriage with Agnès Frondeboeuf. The Bouhier family, including André (Treasurer of Henri IV), rebuilt it at the end of the 16th century, inspired by the Beaumarchais castle.

In the 18th century, the estate belonged to the Roberts of Lezardière, including Jacques-Augustin, beatified as a martyr of the Revolution. In 1791, the castle was set on fire after the accusation of the baron of Lezardière in a counter-revolutionary plot, then sequestered until 1801. Sold in 1805 at Les Boux de Casson, he remained in this family until the 20th century, with mayors of Challans among his owners.

On 19 February 1973, the house served as a relay to the commando who had stolen Philippe Pétain's coffin. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1964 for its facades and roofs, it embodies a heritage combining Renaissance architecture, revolutionary dramas and anecdotes of the twentieth century.

External links