Le Château du Boisniard seems to be lived at the first ages of civilization. We have found cut stones in the famous rock – crystal " the Black Diamond" of Chambretaud, but also, the ore is very rich on iron that proves the presence of metal workshop dating from Gallo – Roman age.
Numerous granite blocks present in the park are probably megaliths, the evidence of a Druid cult. We can say that some rocks get to think to "Sacrifice stones". The tradition has dedicated a few : "Les fesses de Gargantua" or "La pierre de la Mariée" (we have to touch it to fall in love with somebody).
So, it's on this hill, rich on spirits and earth forces, that the knight Jehan du Puy du Fou, Lord of Bois – Nyart (as we write on the XVth century), built his castle in 1407. Puy du fou's family sold it in 1645 to pay their debt. Until the revolution, le Château du Boisniard passed from legacies on wedding, for example several coat of arms, dating from this era, decorate the ceiling of the ancient chapel (room number 3 today).
One person marks the Castle's life : Charles Philippe Grelier, Lord of Boisniard and knight of Concise (other field in Chambretaud). A brilliant officer of the Royal Navy, he goes all over the world and brings back a collection of exotic birds which inhabits Boisniard aviaries.
In 1793, Grelier's Children fights in the Vendean Army with the Marquis of la Rochejacquelein. The Boisniard knows the sad hours of terror and infernal columns. The last occupants are hidden to the surrounding countryside and the Castle is invaded by a Republican guard that plunders it but avoids it to be burned down.
At the XIXth and XXth century, Le Château du Boisniard is sold and transmitted several times. We can see from De Saint Hubert family, De Hillerin du Boistissandeau, de Hargues, le Tourneur de la Borde, Desme de Lisle, De Geloës d'Esloo, de Suyrot, to Paul Cavallier, Forge-owners of Pont - à – Mousson who made the transition between nobility and Industrial upper middle classes.
In the 50th, a furniture maker develops in Chambretaud Griffon's home. A young cabinet – maker, war orphan, is initiated into this cabinet, while his mother is servant to the Boisniard. Drove by his only faith of self- taught person, he makes fortune creating his firm Durand – Novéstyle to les herbiers and buys Le Château du Boisniard in 1978. Maurice Durand is passionate by woods, trees abs old books that he collects. Nothing to be beautiful for the Boisniard with an English park and a luxuous residence. The fireplace is made up of letters D and N for Durand and Normand, young daughter's name of his wife.
