Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The château de Boistissandeau, located at the Herbiers in Vendée, was erected in 1578. Its distinctive facade is surmounted by a large pepperpot made of pink bricks. Ranked a historic monument since 23 January 1958, it is now the property of the Vendée department, acquired in June 2003 after belonging to the Brothers of Saint-Gabriel, who had installed a retirement home there.

In the 18th century, the castle welcomed the scholar René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, who frequently stayed there with Jean-Baptiste-Laurent d'Hillerin, owner and scientific figure. This place was also the scene of a drama during the Terror in Vendée: on 31 January 1794, chestnut Marie Agathe d'Hillerin and her two daughters, Henriette and Agathe, were murdered by hussards. Marie-Agathe was dragged and massacred with sabre, while her daughters were shot down near the gates of the castle.

After these events, the castle became a novitiate in 1942, then a retirement home in 1970. Today, it houses a unique accommodation centre in France for disabled people and their families. Despite renovations, work is still needed, especially in the left wing. The Renaissance gardens and fireplace, inscribed in the Historic Monuments, bear witness to its rich past.

Historical sources also mention bibliographical references, such as the works of Brother M. Guillaume or the knight of La Broise, which document the history of the castle. It remains an architectural and memorial symbol of the Vendée, marked by periods of violence and resilience.

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