Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de L'Auneau was built at the end of the 19th century by the vendean architect Joseph Libaudière for Professor Edward Grimaux, friend of Georges Clemenceau and the grandchildren of George Sand. This castle, inspired by Roman villas, is distinguished by its square plan and its strictly symmetrical south facade, marked by a perron dated 1899. The coats of arms of the Bouquet and David families, visible on the windows surrounding the entrance, testify to his family history.

Acquired in 1947 by Madame Édouard David, the estate preserves an exceptional wooded park, with rare species such as the cedar of Lebanon or the pine parasol. The "pink wall", 120 meters long, and the "cabonon" installed on the old vegetable garden add to its charm. Labeled a remarkable garden, the park has been enhanced by shows like Silence, it grows! (2018) and regional reports.

The architecture of the castle plays with appearances: if the western facade seems symmetrical, it hides practical asymmetries for interior comfort. The facade is more free, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, with an irregular distribution of openings. Nearby, the communes house stables, garage and laundry, completing this harmonious complex located 6 km from Chantonnay, in Vendée.

Joseph Libaudière, a prolific architect in Vendée, has also designed other local castles such as La Chesnelie or Les Roches-Baritaud. His work at L'Auneau illustrates his talent to combine classical rigour and functional adaptations, while integrating the building into a carefully composed vegetal box.

External links