Construction of the farm XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Period of initial construction of the monument.
8 octobre 1984
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 8 octobre 1984 (≈ 1984)
Protection of facades, roofs and defensive elements.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs of all buildings; the fireplace of the room and that of the bedroom on the ground floor of the master house; the enclosure wall with its towers (cad. A 327): entry by order of 8 October 1984
Origin and history
La Ferme fortifié de la Girardière, located in Cheftimes in the Vendée department, is a 16th century historical monument. This type of construction reflects the protection and autonomy needs of the rural populations of the time, in a context marked by social tensions and local conflicts. The architectural complex includes buildings with preserved facades and roofs, as well as a wall of enclosure flanked by towers, characteristic of fortified farms intended to house both agricultural activities and residents in times of insecurity.
In the 16th century, the region of Pays de la Loire, like a large part of rural France, was organized around seigneuries and peasant communities. Fortified farms played a central role in the local economy, serving as places of production, crop storage and refuge. Their defensive architecture, with thick walls and watchtowers, bears witness to the security concerns of the time, related to the wars of Religion or banditry.
These buildings also illustrated the social status of their owners, often wealthy families or local lords, able to invest in such infrastructure.
