History

At the end of the 15th century, the land and the château became the property of Jehan du Plessis, Grand Argentier* of King René I of Naples, who was also Duke of Anjou from 1434 to 1480.

In 1794, Republicans attacked and set fire to Château de Parnay. The château also bore witness to the massacre of 112 young royalists, condemned to death by the Saumur Revolutionary Committee, who were executed in front of the castle and buried nearby in a mass grave.

In 1820, a new Renaissance-style building was constructed. The property was purchased on Saturday, 10 September 1887 by Antoine Cristal on the sale of Mrs Becquet de Marconnay’s estate following her death.

In 1931, Antoine Cristal’s niece Mrs Vigeant and her daughter Madeleine inherited the property after Cristal died, putting it under management and then selling it in 1948 under the French viager system, allowing them to live in it until they died. The château, still under the viager system, was then purchased by Mr Lucien Collé in December 1953.

In 1996, Miss Vigeant died. Full ownership and use of Château de Parnay then passed to the Collé family.

In December 2006, the property was bought by Mr Vincenot who took over the Parnay vineyards with the firm ambition of perpetuating the quality and traditions.

*Grand Argentier: Minister of Finance