The Château d'Ardelay is located in the former village of Ardelay, now belonging to the commune of Les Herbiers, in Vendée, 25 kilometers south-west of Cholet.
The current building dates from the 15th century, but the feudal mound on which it was built housed a wooden castle before the year 1000, then a first fortified stone enclosure in the 11th century, including the castle, the servitudes, the church and the cemetery.
The first lords of the place were the Pardes then the Chantemerle family.
Object of covetousness and numerous conflicts over the centuries, the estate passed to Admiral de l'Etenduère (also known as des Herbiers) in 1687, who then commanded the navy in Rochefort, and remained in this family via successions by marriage until the middle of the 19th century.
Although listed in the Inventory in 1927, the site was ruined and overgrown when it was acquired by the commune of Les Herbiers in 1984. Major restoration work was then undertaken. Nowadays, we admire the majestic square keep, the moats, the drawbridge, the courtyard being closed by a Renaissance style dwelling and outbuildings. However, the site has retained its characteristic style of military architecture. The whole is enhanced by night lighting.
The castle hosts exhibitions, and guided tours are offered alongside cultural events. Information on +33 2 51 66 95 41.
