CHÂTEAU DE CHANZEAUX

In the 18th century, Jacques Gourreau built a seigneurial residence on the ruins of an old manor house on the banks of the Hyrôme. In 1793, the Vendée uprisings left their mark on Chanzeaux. The following year, the château, the church and almost all the houses in Chanzeaux were set on fire by the infernal columns. Partially ruined, the château was restored and enlarged in the 19th century (1846-1848) by Angevin architect René Hodé (1811 - 1874), in the troubadour style (idealized atmosphere of the Middle Ages and Renaissance through various arts) at the request of Comte de Quatrebarbes (1803 - 1871). After Château de Chanzeau, the architect was involved in the construction of 26 other buildings, including Château du Cloître in Chemillé, Château de Challain-la-Poterie and Château de Pineau in Champ-sur-Layon. Architecturally, the château features four octagonal towers, added by architect Hodé at the instigation of Rose Bourreau and Théodre de Quatrebarbes, tapered roofs, dormer windows on the roofs, a false parapet walk and several chimneys. Inside, there's a gallery with paintings recounting the history of the Bourreau and Quatrebarbres families, as well as that of Anjou. The original plaster cast of the statue of King René, by David d'Angers, is also on display within the château. The 30-hectare park was designed by the Comte de Choulot around 1847. The Château is open to the public on European Heritage Days and by appointment. Guided tours available on request only, minimum 15 people.