Château du Boschet
CastleHidden Treasure
Château du Boschet, located in Bourg-des-Comptes (Département 35), is a Renaissance château built in the 16th century. The monument is currently closed to visitors.
Key facts
- Type
- Castle
- Period
- Renaissance (16th century)
- Location
- Bourg-des-Comptes, Département 35, Bretagne
- Visit
- Closed to visitors
- GPS
- 47.9135, -1.7553
- Mérimée Reference
- PA00090508
A jewel of Breton classicism, Château du Boschet features four corner pavilions on trompe l'oeil and a monumental staircase with white stone balusters, all set in well-ordered 18th-century gardens.
History
Nestling in the heart of the Ille-et-Vilaine countryside, on the outskirts of Bourg-des-Comptes, Château du Boschet stands out as one of the finest examples of classical architecture in Brittany. Built in the second half of the 17th century for a nobleman close to the Duke of Orléans, it has survived the centuries with remarkable integrity, retaining almost intact the spirit of its aristocratic origins. What really sets Le Boschet apart is the coherence of its ensemble: a large main building with a Mansard roof, corner pavilions mounted on trunks, wings set at right-angles ending in rounded sections, U-shaped outbuildings with high semi-circular arches... Each element is articulated with measured elegance, testifying to an overall architectural vision and a strong taste for French-style layout. Inside, visitors are immediately struck by the majesty of the monumental staircase with its white stone balusters, the true centrepiece of the dwelling. The flats, completely refurbished in the first half of the 18th century, reflect the refinement of the Breton aristocracy of the Regency and Louis XV periods, with their wood panelling, generous proportions and carefully controlled lighting. The parkland and formal gardens, created between 1740 and 1750, are a harmonious extension of the open-air architecture: the orangery, the structured pathways and the outbuildings with their original frameworks form a landscaped ensemble of rare historical coherence. Photographers and heritage enthusiasts will find this a stunning setting at any time of day. Classified as a Historic Monument in 2011, Château du Boschet remains in private ownership, giving it the lively, unspoilt character that distinguishes great residences that are still inhabited from museum sites. Its recent sale in 2022 gives us hope that restoration work will continue, with due regard for the spirit of the place.
Architecture
Château du Boschet is a shining example of late 17th-century French classicism adapted to the Breton context. The main building, rectangular in plan with a double depth, rises to a ground floor and a first floor topped by a Mansard roof - a double-pitched broken roof invented by François Mansart, which makes it possible to create habitable attic space while giving the buildings a silhouette characteristic of French royal and aristocratic architecture. The four corner pavilions, mounted on trompe l'oeil, are the building's most remarkable technical feature: their installation required advanced mastery of stereotomy, the art of stone-cutting specific to the Breton Compagnons of the Grand Siècle. On the west side, two wings, added or altered in the 18th century, end in rounded bodies that add flexibility and movement to the overall composition. The interior features a monumental staircase with white stone balusters, a true masterpiece of architectural sculpture. Its generous proportions, apparent lightness and the quality of its carving make it one of the most accomplished examples of its type in Brittany. The flats, refurbished between 1720 and 1740, retain a layout and décor characteristic of the Regency-Louis XV transition. The outbuildings, built in the 1740s and 1750s in a U-shape, are distinguished by their meticulous architectural treatment: their high semi-circular arches, which frame the windows and punctuate the façades, give them a nobility that is unusual for agricultural outbuildings. The original timber frame, which has been preserved in its original state, bears witness to 18th-century construction techniques and is a valuable historical document in its own right.
Related Figures
Pierre de Lescouët — premier chambellan du duc d'Orléans, commanditaire du château entre 1660 et 1680Philippe d'Orléans (Monsieur) — duc d'Orléans, frère de Louis XIV, dont Pierre de Lescouët était le chambellanFrançois Mansart — architecte dont le style de toiture a inspiré le couvrement du châteauFamille de Lannion — propriétaires au XVIIIe siècle, commanditaires de la seconde campagne de travaux (1720-1740)
Tags
Nearby castles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Château du Boschet located?
Château du Boschet is located in Bourg-des-Comptes, Département 35 department, Bretagne region, France.
When was Château du Boschet built?
Château du Boschet dates back to a period built during the Renaissance (16th century).
Is Château du Boschet open to visitors?
Château du Boschet is currently closed to visitors.
