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Origin and history

Sourdeac Castle, located in La Gacilly (delegated municipality of Glénac) in Morbihan, has its origins at the end of the 14th century with a first mansion belonging to the family of La Motte. This site, the seat of the seigneury of Sourdeac in the Middle Ages, passed by alliance to the family of Rohan before being sold in 1531 to Jean V de Rieux. The building was rebuilt between 1548 and 1550 on the foundations of the medieval mansion, marking the beginning of its major architectural transformation.

In the 16th century, the castle became the scene of confrontations, especially in 1594 during a fight between the leaguers of the Duke of Mercœur and John VI of Aumont. Confiscated during the Revolution, it was sold in 1796 to Julien Mathurin Eoche-Duval, a Nantes family that kept it until the beginning of the 20th century. The site then welcomed writers such as Paul Féval, who wrote several novels, and underwent restorations in the 19th century, including on its façade and openings.

The architecture of the castle mixes local schist and tuffeau, with a body of rectangular houses articulated around an octagonal staircase turret, characteristic of the Renaissance style. This turret, which was listed as a historical monument in 1925, houses a staircase in front of the monolithic steps and sled windows. Inside, four 16th century chimneys, granite, shale and limestone, testify to the past opulence of the place. The estate, originally in the shape of L with towers of service, loses part of its wings at the Revolution.

In the 20th century, the castle changed hands several times: sold in 1907 to Victor Bellouard, then in 1949 to Hervé de Cacqueray, whose family still owned it. Since 1989, it has been home to a rural gite and guest rooms, while preserving historical elements such as the 18th century lambris added to the middle of the 20th century. The stair turret, the only protected element, remains the symbol of its architectural heritage.

The ancient texts mention Sourdeac as early as 1427 as a "housing and mansion" belonging to Guillaume de la Motte, then in 1514 to the daughters of the lord of Rieux. In 1666, the estate included farmhouses, mills and meadows, reflecting its economic importance. The construction campaigns, notably the one of 1548 initiated by Jean de Rieux and his wife Béatrix de Jonchères, introduced architectural influences angevines, such as entrance by the stair tower, rare in Brittany.

Subsequent changes, such as the destruction of the south wing before 1840 or the 19th century neo-Gothic repairs, partially altered its original structure. Despite these transformations, the castle of Sourdeac retains traces of its medieval and reborn past, between Breton lords, religious conflicts and modern adaptations.

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