The keep that survived the fires of 1794

The donjon de Bazoges-en-Pareds is a medieval keep located in the village of Bazoges-en-Pareds in the Vendée department. While the first castle was established in the mid-11th century, the current donjon was constructed by the Girard family between 1380 and the mid-15th century. The Girards were prominent figures, including Régnault Girard, who served as an ambassador to Scotland, Brittany, and Aragon, and as a master of the royal household.

The fortress has seen many owners and roles. In 1563, it passed to Charles Poussard du Vigean, a Protestant close to Henri de Navarre. By 1670, it was transferred to the Baudéan de Parabère family, a noble lineage that produced several governors of Poitou. By 1769, the seigneurie became a mere source of income for François-Charles Carré de Candé, who did not reside on the property.

The keep escaped the fate of the village on January 30, 1794, when parts of the town and the church were set on fire. After being passed by inheritance to Paul-Laurent Augier de Moussac, the fortress was abandoned until it was sold in 1859. During the second half of the 19th century, the moats were filled to accommodate a fairground and the ramparts were demolished to improve local circulation.

Purchased by the commune in 1989, the donjon underwent a full restoration between 1990 and 1995. This project, funded by European funds, the State, the Department, and the commune, aimed to preserve and showcase the heritage of the site. Today, the rooms are furnished with period objects that respect the historical and scientific context of the castle.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons