Château du Boisniard - 5 stars Hidden treasure in the Vendée

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

Perched in the hills of Haut-Bocage, Domaine du Boisniard is a real invitation to go back in time. Passing through the entrance gate and following the forest road, you feel like you are immersed in 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 occupation of the site is ancient: our ancestors have always benefited from the abundance of wood and the many 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, Dame de 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 young clumsy 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 at the beginning of the 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, a Vendée architect. 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 themselves there during the war. After the conflict, they returned to Alsace-Lorraine and the estate was made available to the Petits Frères des Pauvres. In 1978, Jean and Francine de Suyrot sold the estate to Maurice Durand, a bocage industrialist, who undertook numerous developments and plantations in the park.
• In 1989, the Englishman Joseph Hepworth profoundly transformed the castle into a hotel, modifying the outbuildings to fit out the rooms of the Manor, the SPA, restaurant and the Relais du Boisniard.
• In 2004, Jean-Michel Mousset, an entrepreneur and carrier from Vendée, became the owner. Under his direction, the Estate became the first 4-star hotel in Vendée in 2008, and obtained its 5th star in 2012 with a renovation of the rooms of the Castle and the expansion of the hotel park with the construction of 9 unusual cabins perched on the edge of the forest park of the Estate.

La Table du Boisniard, with its chef Valentin Morice, won a Michelin star in 2020.

• In 2023, the Bistro du Boisniard was inaugurated, a bistronomic restaurant that offers menus designed by Valentin Morice with local and quality products coming 80% from the Potager du Boisniard.

Today, the team at Domaine du Boisniard continues to write its history, mixing memories of yesteryear and legends of tomorrow in this preserved corner of the Vendée. The 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 transformations into a hotel estate.

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

La Table du Boisniard, under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Valentin Morice, attracts gourmets from across the region and beyond, offering refined cuisine that showcases local produce. Le Bistro du Boisniard, inaugurated in 2023, offers a more casual but equally delicious option for dining.

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 place.

Château du Boisniard, located near the famous Puy du Fou theme park, is a must-see destination for those who wish to explore the history of the Vendée 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, Domaine du Boisniard continues to charm and enchant its visitors, while honoring its rich past and looking resolutely towards the future. The history of the castle is far from over, and each visitor contributes to writing a new chapter in this natural setting.