Château de la Faucille

Built with local materials in the 17th century, the Château de la Faucille looks onto terraced gardens descending toward the Oudon river. 

Site History

Located at the crossroads of Brittany, Mayenne and Anjou, the Château de la Faucille is built on the remains of an old fortified château. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1972. The château was built in the 17th century using local red schist and tuffeau. It includes various outbuildings, a grotto and a chapel, where the abjuration of Pierre de la Faucille took place in 1686. To the south, terraced gardens descend toward the Oudon river. The upper terrace includes a large vegetable garden and an orangery. The château has been in the hands of the Boberil family since the 1950s.

About the Project

The restoration project concerns the early 18th-century roof, lanterns and cornices. The owner views the restoration as a means to keep alive building traditions and artisanal skills. He highlights the work of the skilled craftspeople involved at every stage, including stonemasons, carpenters and roofers, who contribute to the transmission of know-how through apprenticeships on-site. This passing down of knowledge is in keeping with the traditions of their predecessors from the 17th and 18th centuries, whose craftsmanship can still be seen in the quality of the stonework and woodwork. 

Château de la Faucille Today

The château receives visitors from June to October and offers a number of cultural activities. As part of the restoration, craftspeople come to train on-site. One carpenter told the owner that he enjoyed going to this site because he had the impression, coming to La Faucille every morning, of arriving at a “little paradise, a bit out of time.”