The Château de Soucelles is located in the village of the same name, part of the new commune of Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou, in Maine-et-Loire, 18 km northeast of Angers.
The building is the seat of a seigniory mentioned since the Middle Ages. During the Wars of Religion, when he arrived in the vicinity of Angers to "drive out" the Huguenots, the Duke of Montpensier had their residences demolished. Among these is the Château de Soucelles, then owned by the Anceau family. Which recovers its rights in 1563 and can rebuild its castle.
Their descendant Samson Anceau got into debt in 1691 with Charles de Boylesve. The claim is still active in 1718 when Samson dies. The estate then passed to the de Boylesves.
But from 1771, a new owner is mentioned: it is Jean-Baptiste Ménage. He then initiated the reconstruction of the castle that his predecessors had been unable or unable to maintain. A few elements from the 17th century have been retained, but the new ensemble has been recomposed in a neo-classical style, according to a rectangular plan. The house is two levels high, including an attic floor, with two side pavilions, and access to the estate is via a porch framed by outbuildings. A chapel, an orangery, stables and a number of other annexes adjoin the castle, and the leisure park is not lacking in charm.
Property that is still private is listed in the Inventory. It is not open to the public. It can be observed from the outside during a walk. Information on +33 2 41 69 51 15.
