What to do and see in Normandy, France: The Best Castles

UNE FORTERESSE IMPRENABLE ! Chef d’oeuvre d’architecture militaire médiévale, Pirou est l’un des plus anciens châteaux forts normands, parmi les mieux conservés grâce à la remarquable restauration initiée depuis 1966 par l’abbé Marcel LELÉGARD (1925-1994). Bâti au XIIe siècle sur un îlot artificiel entouré de trois douves et de cinq portes fortifiées, les portes défensives s’ouvrent sur un ensemble exceptionnel : la boulangerie, le pressoir, la chapelle, la salle des Plaids (avec la Tapisserie de Pirou), le vieux logis (salle des gardes, salle à manger, cuisines) et le chemin de ronde avec ses belles toitures de schiste. Laissez-vous enchanter par la fabuleuse légende des Oies de Pirou, immerger dans l’époque médiévale et découvrir neuf siècles d’histoire. Vos droits d’entrée contribuent à la préservation du château en soutenant la « Fondation Abbaye de La Lucerne d’Outremer », propriétaire, qui a en charge sa gestion, son entretien et sa restauration.

The birthplace of William the Conqueror. Its restoration campaign now complete, this exceptional castle with its three keeps, walls and towers overlooks the city of Falaise. Discover this amazing fortification built by the first dukes of Normandy, later expanded by William's descendants and completed by King Philip-Augustus of France. Meet the great characters who shaped the Anglo-Norman territories and follow the epic stories that feature this mighty fortress. You will discover all the aspects of this ducal and royal castle through screenings of videos, recreated furniture, augmented reality and 3D objects on digital tablets. This is altogether a more complete, a more immersive and a more intense experience at the heart of the castle when dukes of Normandy and kings of England were rulers of the land. Prices: ADULTS: 8,50€ ADULT CONCESSIONS - STUDENTS: 6€ CHILDREN (6 to 16): 4€ (free under 6) FAMILY PASS: 21€ (2 adults and 1 child, all other children are free, 6 children max.)

The Château de Carrouges remained in the ownership of a single family from its construction until 1936. Steeped in history, it features a superb collection of furniture from the Renaissance to the early 19th century and has retained all the charms of a family residence with portraits of the successive generations of the Le Veneur family. Carrouges is remarkable for its long, pale brick walls, steep slate roofs and granite window and door frames. It stands in 10 hectares of carefully tended grounds with gardens, flowering borders and impeccable terraces. Open: > 1st April to 15th June and 1st to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 16th June to 31st August: from 9.30 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

A two faces castle Historical monument, Harcourt is a fortress in a bower of verdure : of the mighty castle founded in the twelth century by the Harcourts and strenghtened over the following centuries. Only the western facade of the chateau still has its medieval aspect. The eastern facade of the chateau was rebuilt around 1700 by Francoise de Brancas,countess of Harcourt. The arboretum, two centuries old The arboretum is exceptional for its history ;it is a real botanical collection of more than two hundred species, of which the oldest aure two hundred years old. Its existence is associated with some of the most memorable names in the field of horticulture, such as Delamare, Michaux,Pepin, Vilmorin... who have intervened in its development at various points since its foundation in 1810. The arboretum was classified as a > in 2004. [COVID-19] Until may 31, only the garden is visitable. The castle and the toilets are closed. Exceptional free admission (usual price 5€).

COVID-19 : Castle closed from March 15, 2020 The castle became the property of the d'Argouges Family in 1251, through marriage, up until 1777 when it became a marquisate. Built, restructured, and enlarged throughout the seven centuries of its history, Gratot has always been a castle with a little difference, periodically enriched by architectural changes. Its walls still talk of the times of Andaine, the fairy from the clear springs. The 19th Century saw a succession of owners who never kept up the property. Gradually, it fell into ruins and was invaded by ivy. The castle was definitively abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century. Since 1968, the Centre d'Animation du Château de Gratot manages this historical Landmark.

A City Castle and its Gardens Visiting the Beaumont House (Hôtel de Beaumont), the most renowned aristocratic house in the Cotentin, is an extraordinary vivid moment that will delight both adults and children. From the monumental staircase, unique in France, to private apartments, through the living rooms sumptuously furnished, a careful and elegant restitution of the past invites the visitors to immerse themselves in the charming atmosphere and living art of the aristocratic society in the 18th century. A stroll in the quiet park with French gardens, rose garden and a romantic landscaped park completes this memorable journey through time.