In the heart of the lush park of the Château de la Bouillerie, in Crosmières, Sarthe, an elegant little structure is about to regain its former glory: the gloriette. A refined example of early 19th-century garden design, this light and ornamental construction is the focus of an ambitious restoration project, supported by the Fondation du patrimoine and led by the Roullet family, owners of the château. This restoration is a true act of heritage transmission, bringing together history, landscape, and family memory.
What is a gloriette?
The word “gloriette” alone conjures up a world of poetry, relaxation, and refinement. It refers to a small decorative pavilion, often set within a landscaped park, designed primarily for contemplation. Neither quite a shelter nor exactly a gazebo, the gloriette is characterized by its architectural lightness and romantic purpose: a place designed to admire a view, read, converse, or dream, in harmony with the surrounding nature.
Highly fashionable in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the gloriette reflects a way of life attuned to the beauty of picturesque gardens, influenced by English landscapes and pastoral reveries. At Versailles, in the Hameau de la Reine, at Méréville, or in the gardens of Malmaison, these structures were scattered along paths like poetic pauses in the course of a stroll.
The gloriette in the park of La Bouillerie
The one at the Château de la Bouillerie fully embodies this refined aesthetic. According to family archives and period drawings, it was first envisioned in 1790 by architect Prosper Simon, and later built between 1810 and 1825 by Adrien-Louis Lusson, renowned for his work in Angers and throughout western France.
Located along the lime tree avenue in the heart of the 17-hectare park, the gloriette served as a viewpoint over the gardens, as well as a place for rest, reading, or quiet contemplation. It reflects the aristocratic art of living of the early 19th century, when nature was designed to move and inspire.
The structure stands out for its cut stone, traditional plasterwork, and its simple, elegant roofline, in keeping with the neoclassical style of the time. Sadly, decades of neglect and exposure to the elements have taken their toll: the gloriette is now in an advanced state of disrepair and urgently needs restoration to prevent its complete loss.
A historic monument to save
Listed as a historic monument, the gloriette is now in an advanced state of decay. Crumbling plaster, cracked stones, a collapsed roof—time and neglect have taken their toll. This is why the owning family, led by Amaury and Arnaud Roullet de la Bouillerie, has launched a full restoration project, with the official support of the Fondation du patrimoine, represented in Sarthe by Françoise Maillard, the departmental delegate.
The goal is clear: to fully restore the structure’s exterior shell by replacing damaged stonework, repairing lime-based plaster, and rebuilding the roof using materials faithful to the original style. The total cost of the works is estimated at €60,000, with work set to begin in summer 2025, following the official signing of the convention between the project owners and the Fondation. The restoration will involve skilled local artisans, experts in traditional craftsmanship. Once completed, the gloriette will be included in guided tours of the estate, organized by the Syndicat de la Vallée de la Sarthe, helping visitors better understand the art of landscape architecture from this period.
How to get involved
The fundraising campaign to restore the gloriette is open to everyone—individuals and companies alike. Donations can be made online through the Fondation du patrimoine website:
👉 www.fondation-patrimoine.org/102751
A deeply rooted family history
The Château de la Bouillerie has been the property of the Roullet de la Bouillerie family for several generations, but its origins go back much further. The first known lord of the estate was Geoffroy du Chesne, mentioned as early as 1307.
In the 16th century, Jehan Dufour endowed the estate with the chapel of Saint-Blaise, adorned with a stained-glass window of the Crucifixion, now listed as a Monument Historique. In 1652, following several decades of neglect, Jehan Odiau, a lawyer in La Flèche, undertook a significant renovation of the château.
In 1809, one member of the Roullet de la Bouillerie family , then mayor of La Flèche and sub-prefect, began a major transformation of the property. He had the majestic lime tree avenue laid out, built an expansive terrace, and constructed the gloriette, a romantic jewel nestled in the park.
Throughout the 19th century, the château evolved to meet the needs of a growing family. A new north wing, in Henri II style, replaced the smaller original one, providing space for large family gatherings. The estate thus acquired the form it retains to this day.
Today, Amaury and Arnaud Roullet de la Bouillerie, together with their two sisters, passionately continue the maintenance, restoration, and promotion of this historic estate, determined to pass on this centuries-old heritage to future generations.
Château de la Bouillerie: a place to stay between history and nature
This restoration project is also an opportunity to shine a light on the rare and remarkable place that is the Château de la Bouillerie. Located between Maine and Anjou, less than two hours from Paris by TGV, it combines modern comfort with historic charm, all within a warm and welcoming family atmosphere.
For holidays with family or friends, the château offers:
- 30 beds spread across the main house and its outbuildings
- Multiple reception spaces including living rooms, a dining room, and a library
- A large, fully equipped kitchen for shared, convivial meals
- A 17-hectare landscaped park featuring a swimming pool, a gloriette (soon to be restored), and an independent pavilion
It’s the perfect setting for a countryside escape, large family gatherings, or private events in an intimate and elegant environment. With its vibrant atmosphere and deep historical roots, Château de la Bouillerie is far more than a picturesque backdrop — it is a place where guests feel truly welcomed and inspired.
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