Originally from Brittany, as the family coat of arms indicates, the Vanssay family settled in Vancé, in the county of Maine, during the 9th century, and remained there for 5 centuries.

Members of this family accompanied William the Conqueror to Hastings, as is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

In 1404 the Manor House of La Barre came into the Vanssay family by marriage. The château was originally a court of justice and a toll collection centre, hence its name "La Barre".

During the 16th century, Marin de Vanssay fortified and expanded his domain. A wing was added during the 17th century and the interior refurbished in the 18th century.

Throughout the French Revolution, the château remained intact.

During the early part of the 19th century, some of the Vanssays followed Napoleon as far as Russia. Later, around 1870, the Count de Vanssay was private secretary to the Count de Chambord, the last legitimate heir to the French throne.

Thereafter, La Barre was substantially restored, blending centuries of architectural changes.

Thus, you will be guests in a home constantly cared for and loved, where the history of the place and of the family have been intertwined for centuries.