When was the château de la Citardière built?

The current building dates largely from the first half of the 17th century, a period when successive owners strengthened and expanded a fief first recorded at the end of the 14th century.

Is the château de la Citardière open to visitors?

As opening hours and admission fees have not been verified, it is best to check directly before planning a visit.

Why does the château look like a fortress?

Its square layout, wide moats, drawbridge and arrow slits reflect a defensive purpose linked to the Wars of Religion, when the site is said to have served as a base for Protestant cavalry.

Is the château de la Citardière a listed historic monument?

Yes, it has been listed since a decree of 29 December 1989, which protects the building in its entirety, its painted décor, its moats, bridge and the retaining wall of the north ditch.

Château de la Citardière

Citardière Castle

Mervent

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Where: Mervent

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Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Guided tour: "20 years of restoration of the old castle"Sun, Sep 20 · Vieux château de Montravers33 km
Craft MarketSun, Sep 20 · donjon de Bazoges-en-Pareds19 km

Château de la Citardière stands in Mervent (Vendée), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: first half of the 17th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Mervent, in the Vendée region, the château de la Citardière stands as a genuine stronghold from the early 17th century, built in a square plan around a courtyard and surrounded by wide moats. Visitors can still see the marks of its defensive design: a rampart walk, a drawbridge, portcullises and arrow slits, all dating back to the Wars of Religion. The entrance gatehouse, with its Doric portal and cannon-shaped gargoyles, has recently undergone restoration work.

Written from Château de la Citardière

What to know

The château has been listed as a historic monument since 1989, along with its moats, bridge and retaining wall.
No opening hours or admission fees have been verified to date.
The site has undergone successive restoration campaigns, notably on the entrance gatehouse and the east pavilion.
The visit takes place around a fortified complex surrounded by wide moats, with an interior painted décor protected under historic monument status.

Where this château is

Mervent · Vendée · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Château de la Citardière

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Chem. de Chantoizeau, 85200 Mervent

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 2 51 51 40 09

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4.7 / 5from 136 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00110167
Period of construction: first half of the 17th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

When was the château de la Citardière built?: The current building dates largely from the first half of the 17th century, a period when successive owners strengthened and expanded a fief first recorded at the end of the 14th century.
Is the château de la Citardière open to visitors?: As opening hours and admission fees have not been verified, it is best to check directly before planning a visit.
Why does the château look like a fortress?: Its square layout, wide moats, drawbridge and arrow slits reflect a defensive purpose linked to the Wars of Religion, when the site is said to have served as a base for Protestant cavalry.
Is the château de la Citardière a listed historic monument?: Yes, it has been listed since a decree of 29 December 1989, which protects the building in its entirety, its painted décor, its moats, bridge and the retaining wall of the north ditch.