Castles to visit

The Creully Castle :

Medieval castle built between the 11th and 17th centuries. You will find there among other things the Radio Museum and the BBC tower which was installed in the square tower during the D-Day landings in 1944. It offers one of the most spectacular views of Calvados.

The Fontaine Henry Castle :

Dating from the Middle Ages (13th century) it is a family estate that has survived through time by accumulating knowledge and objects. It has not been sold and has been passed down from generation to generation for 10 centuries. Considered one of the highest roofs in France due to its high French-style roofs reaching up to 15 meters high on the quadrangular « Gros Pavillon ». The Castle of Balleroy: Built in 1631 by the famous architect François Mansart (1598-1666) at the request of Jean II de Choisy.

The Balleroy Castle :

and its village formed one of the first urban plans which inspired other castles, including Versailles. You can also discover the Balloon Museum, retracing the history of hot air and gas balloons, as well as magnificent French gardens and English parks.

Canon Castle :

Located in Mézidon Canon, it is known for its gardens that bear witness to the Enlightenment. Their composition has remained intact since the middle of the 18th century. A reflecting pool, regular French-style flowerbeds harmonize perfectly with the English-style garden. Between wild groves, streams and canals, discover the period factories. The must: the chartreuses, a veritable open-air greenhouse. These 13 walled gardens made it possible to obtain beautiful fruit.

The  Vendeuvre Castle :

Located in Vendeuvre, it houses the Museum of miniature furniture (the world’s first collection of miniature furniture), a collection of dog and pet kennels. The series of lounges is a fine example of the art of living in the 18th century, to which the kitchens of the same period also testify. Outside, the castle is adorned with « surprise » water gardens and a shell cave.

The Falaise Castle :

Also called Chateau William the Conqueror, it is a fortified castle formed by an enclosure, located on a rocky outcrop southwest of the town of Falaise. You can also discover in Falaise the Memorial, the Museum of automatons, the André Lemaitre Museum or the Statue William the Conqueror.

The Clock Door :

Located in Vire, it was the main gateway to the city in the Middle Ages, when it was fortified. The fortification of Vire was reinforced under William the Conqueror by a castle with a double enclosure and a keep, of which only the ruins of the keep remain. Culminating at 33 meters in height, it was built in the 13th century, like the three other gates that the city had. Also visit the Saint Anne Church or the Municipal Museum.

The Saint Germain de Livet Castle :

Located 85 km away, it is built on the site of a medieval castle, is a 15th and 16th century building, which became the property of the city of Lisieux in 1957. It has become a Museum labeled « Musée de France » which presents furnishings and collections of works of art from the family of the estate’s legatee, Julien Pillaut, and, among others, paintings by his grandfather, the painter Léon Riesener (1808-1878), himself small -son of the cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener and cousin of Eugène Delacroix.

The Colombières Castle :

The Castle dates from the end of the 14th century. Originally, it was one of the many fortresses erected around the 10th and 11th centuries to resist English invasions. Over the centuries, this castle, built on the edge of a marsh and surrounded by a moat still in water, has undergone the erosion of time as well as architectural modifications. From generation to generation, successive owners have taken great care of the château. The Count and Countess Etienne de Maupéou are happy to welcome you to this family home set in an enchanting landscape, conducive to dreams.