- Its location:
- Welcome to Mesnard-la-Barotière, town of about 1,300 inhabitants on an area of 1,183 ha, of which 132 wood and 22 ponds. The town, located in the canton of Herbaria, halfway between Cholet and La Roche-sur-Yon, is dynamic and peaceful. She comes to know a "boom" population in the early 21st century. No fewer than 350 additional people were recorded between 1999 and 2010. The population is mostly agglomerated, 90% living in the village, 10% being distributed in 16 villages (villages), including 2 most important: The Ball and Guiderie.
- The city of Mesnard-la-Barotière, located in the canton of Herbaria, part of the Community of Municipalities of Herbaria with seven other cities: The Herbaria, Vendrennes, Mouchamps, Saint-Mars-la-Réorthe, Epesses, St. Paul en Pareds and Beaurepaire.
- The highlight of the town is located Casterneau: 104 meters. By comparison, the steeple of the parish church dominates the town at 135 meters.
- History:
- Etymology: Known since the 12th century, Barotière was the residence of Barroteau, then Mesnard, lords of the 17th century.
- Prehistory: It found polished axes flint and diorite, a dagger and a hint of Neolithic dagger. He had to be a megalith at a place called "Gallery", covered walkway or dolmen.
- Gallo-Roman period: A Roman road happen to Barotière, from Poitiers, Mallièvre, Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure, and pointing on Nantes Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu and Saint-Philbert-de-Granlieu.
- Middle Ages: The old church dedicated to St. Christopher dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, it has only covered a wooden vault nave a pointed arch marks the entrance to the choir vaulted arched. Known in 1243, the lords of the Goyau, then Foucher in 1395.
- 17th century: Christophe Mesnard acquired the Barotière in 1640, with 42,000 pounds, and is buried in the church in 1665.
- 18th century: The Manor of the Barotière county was erected in 1768. During the wars of Vendée, the castle was burned by Mesnard two Republican soldiers from Camp Quatre-Chemins-de-Oie.
- 19th Century: The Duchess of Berry visit in 1828, the Barotière and the castle of his first equerry Count de Mesnard, who was near the Duke, when he was assassinated in 1820 by Louvel. Count of Mesnard follow the Duchess in all these wanderings until Blaye where they will both be imprisoned. He will appear Audience Montbrison to have participated in the expedition of the "Carlo Alberto." Acquitted, he will continue to look after the interests of the latter. His death in 1842 lose an effective support. Ownership Mesnard through alliance with the old Breton family Rosanbo Le Peletier, who built the present church of Mesnard-la-Barotière (1871): In 1977, this church became the property of the municipality.
- 20th century: In 1950, Father Boisseau, parish priest discovered paintings in the deconsecrated church since 1871. On 19 May, the Mayor wrote to the Prefect to report the discovery. On March 1, 1951, the church is included in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments. On 7 October 1975 the council deliberates restoration. On 27 November 1978 Ms Giscard d'Estaing visit the town and the fold of Louis Cousseau, Mayor and General Counsel. On 28 November 1978 Mr Gachet, the Ministry of Culture, visit the church. On 6 April 1984 the restored church was inaugurated. The spring of 1987, work to clear the paintings began.
