Château de la Chevallerie

The Château de la Chevallerie is a historic residence located in Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine, in the Vendée department of the Pays de la Loire region in western France. It stands in southern Vendée, near Luçon, between the Vendée coast, the Marais Poitevin and the local vineyards.

The name derives from an important Templar commandery established on the site in the second half of the 12th century (nothing remains of the original commandery buildings). During the Hundred Years’ War the seigneury alternated between French and English control; at the end of the 14th century it became the “Hostel” of Pierre Boschet, President of the Parlement of Paris and Keeper of the Seals under Charles V and Charles VI. In the 15th and 16th centuries it belonged to families close to the royal court and played a role in Catholic–Protestant diplomacy. In the 17th century it was owned by the powerful Mauclerc family, became Protestant, and was ruined during the final Wars of Religion, also suffering from the personal enmity of Cardinal Richelieu, then Bishop of Luçon.

In the 18th century the Babin family (Babin des Brétinières, later Babin de la Chevallerie, secretary-auditor in the Chambre des Comptes of Brittany) purchased the estate and gave it its present coherent classical appearance: spacious, homogeneous, symmetrical buildings of regular proportions. Dates of 1768 and 1770 appear on the Grande Nef and the entrance pavilion. During the Revolution the site saw the passage of revolutionary troops and the “Colonnes infernales”, sheltered Vendéen refugees, and was later divided into two independent agricultural holdings. Poor alterations and gradual abandonment followed until 2004, when Pascal and Eugénie Maison acquired the ruined ensemble and began a long-term restoration.

One of the larger logis of southern Vendée while remaining on a human scale, the château and its dependencies were inscribed as a Monument historique on 9 July 1989. The current owners continue structural consolidation and embellishment (restoration of the Grande Nef, French-style parterre in the Pavillon courtyard, creation of regular 18th-century-inspired gardens). Since 2023 a sustainable flower farm has also been cultivated on the estate.

The property is private. Guided tours are offered in summer (typically mid-July to mid-August and September) and by appointment off-season (minimum four adults). It is also available for weddings and receptions (exclusive use over several days), guest accommodation and events.