Château du Boisniard A hidden treasure in Vendée at Chanverrie, near Puy du Fou

The history of Château du Boisniard: a hidden treasure in Vendée

Perched in the hills of Haut-Bocage, the Domaine du Boisniard is a true invitation to step back in time. Passing through the entrance gate and following the forest road, one has the impression of plunging into the history of Vendée. The granite chaos, one of the emblematic places of the estate, evokes menhirs and legends where it is said that the stones seem to move on foggy evenings.

The site has been occupied for a long time: our ancestors have always benefited from the abundance of wood and the numerous springs, including a tributary of the Crûme . Archaeological discoveries from the 19th century, such as the crucibles of a Gallo-Roman metallurgical workshop and Merovingian cremation tombs, bear witness to the rich history of Boisniard.

The first lord of Boisniard, Jehan du Puy du Fou, acquired the estate in 1407 when he married Catherine du Bouchet, Lady of La Noue de Talmond. From this period, only a few mullioned windows and a monumental granite fireplace remain.

• The name "Boisniard" comes from two terms: "bois", derived from "bosc" meaning small forest, and "niard", a falconry term designating a clumsy young falcon caught in the nest.

Over the centuries, the castle passed through the hands of several families through marriage and inheritance: the Puy du Fou, the Mastin, the du Vergier, and the Pillot. In 1740, Charles Philippe Grelier, Knight of Concise, became its lord. A sailor for the French royal family, he traveled to the Americas, bringing back with him a taste for the exotic. He and his wife, Cécile des Melliers, saw almost all of their children perish during the Vendée Wars.

The castle, occupied for a time by Republican troops, was in ruins in the early 1800s. In 1804, Bertrand de Saint-Hubert bought it and began the first repairs. In 1869, Camille Le Tourneur de la Borde and his wife Geneviève Desmée de Lisle acquired the castle and entrusted its restoration to Paul Guillerot, an architect from Vendée. He restored the castle's distinct medieval and Renaissance facades.

• In 1938, the Paul-Cavallier family, owners of the Pont-à-Mousson forges, bought the castle to house them during the war. After the conflict, they returned to Alsace-Lorraine and the estate was made available to the Petits Frères des Pauvres (Little Brothers of the Poor). In 1978, Jean and Francine de Suyrot sold the estate to Maurice Durand, a bocage industrialist, who undertook numerous developments and plantings in the park.
• In 1989, the Englishman Joseph Hepworth completely transformed the castle into a hotel, modifying the outbuildings to create the Manor's rooms, the SPA, restaurant and the Relais du Boisniard.
• In 2004, Jean-Michel Mousset, an entrepreneur and transporter from Vendée, became the owner. Under his direction, the Domaine became the first 4-star hotel in Vendée in 2008, and obtained its 5th star in 2012 with a renovation of the Château's rooms and the expansion of the hotel park with the construction of 9 unusual cabins perched on the edge of the Domaine's forest park.
• Every morning, a buffet breakfast offers a selection of fresh produce, served in a welcoming dining room or on the terrace in season. Visitors can also enjoy the Bistro du Boisniard, our restaurant and bar with a warm atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing moment or for private business events. In summer, an outdoor swimming pool and a gym are available to guests.

Today, the team at Domaine du Boisniard continues to write its history, blending memories of yesteryear with legends of tomorrow in this unspoiled corner of the Vendée. Château du Boisniard is more than just a prestigious hotel; it is a living witness to the history of the Vendée. Every stone and every corner of the estate tells a story, from its Gallo-Roman origins to its recent transformation into a hotel estate.

Today's visitors can stroll through the vast landscaped gardens, reminiscent of the irregular parks of the 19th century, and discover the two ponds created by Maurice Durand. The former farm buildings have been cleverly redesigned to offer comfortable rooms, wellness areas, and memorable dining experiences.

The estate is not resting on its laurels. With a vision for the future, the management and its teams continue to improve and enrich the visitor experience. Ambitious projects are underway to add new attractions and services, while respecting the history and unique character of the site.

Château du Boisniard, located near the famous Puy du Fou theme park, is a must-see destination for those wishing to explore the history of the Vendée region while enjoying modern comforts. Whether for a romantic getaway, a family stay, or a special event, the estate offers a unique combination of historic charm and contemporary comfort.

Thus, the Domaine du Boisniard continues to charm and enchant its visitors, while honoring its rich past and looking resolutely toward the future. The history of the château is far from over, and each visitor contributes to writing a new chapter in this natural setting.