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About The Experience

You've seen this French castle before: on a postcard, in the pages of a history book... or perhaps only in your dreams. This chateau in Normandy, framed by idyllic gardens and rolling countryside, was no doubt lifted right from the pages of a storybook fairytale. Let us not mislead you, however; for this magical, turreted French chateau is no figment of your imagination. Firmly rooted in history, garden paths cross ancient Roman roads, lead past 17th century stables and steles erected in honor of the fallen (forget not that we are but 20 minutes from the beaches), and arrive at vine-covered walls that housed the signing of the treaty of Cherbourg in WWII.

Location Description

In this castle, the treaty of Cherbourg was signed between the American general Lawton Collins and the German general von Schlieben on June 26th, 1944. Now far removed from the horrors of war, this amazing French chateau is located in quiet country setting in the heart of the Contentin peninsula, just a few minutes by car from the small, historic town of Valognes, where you can find all you need in the way of necessities. There is also a culture center and a music festival in August. Fifteen minutes will take you to the seaside and bathing beaches, while a twenty minute drive will put you on the shores of Normandy, where the landing took place. In the vicinity of the chateau, you can enjoy a number of activities, including horseback riding, golf, tennis, etc. The area is also ideal for visiting parks, properties, and historic cities such as Cherbourg, Ste Mere Eglise, Bayeux, Coutances, St Lo, Caen, and St Malo.

Nearby Attractions: Ste Mere Eglise's landing museum (15 min by car), Normandy landing beaches (20 min), public tennis court at Yveto-Bocage (600m), 9-hole golf courses at Quineville and La Glacerie (15km), Omaha Beach (60km). Horse riding is possible at Brix (8km).

Paris: 330 km
Caen: 100 km
Bayeux, Coutances, St-Lo: 60 km
Cherbourg, Ste-Mere-Eglise: 20 km
Valognes (train): 5 km

Exterior Description

(7 Hectares) This magnificent family historical chateau in Normandy has a heated pool and all the comfort you wish for, indoors and out. Listed as a 17th century monument, the castle and its grounds have been in the same family for 500 years-- indeed, the most recent Comte and Comtesse occasionally inhabit a private wing of the chateau. The property itself is like a jewel set in the midst of lush greenery: guests will enjoy strolling through seven hectares of landscaped garden surrounding the chateau, planted with rare trees and scattered with romantic 19th century follies-- including a stream and a small, child-sized stone manor! There is also a chapel, a temple to Neptune, and a terrace on the bank of the stream. Vegetable gardens are housed in superb 19th century greenhouses, while the beautiful heated swimming pool (12m x 6m, 1-2m deep) is equipped with elegant Roman steps. The grounds also include a covered games room, swings, and a sand pit. The landscaped property is surrounded by cultivated fields and apple groves belonging to the property. Naturally, all of this gorgeous land needs plenty of care-- so the gardener and his friendly dogs live on site.

Interior Description

(600 m2) The decor of the chateau combines local crafts (such as traditional hand molded tiles) with the most prestigious names in international interior decoration: Rubelli fabrics, Murano chandeliers, Aubusson-style carpets, and more. There are also many period antiques and furnishings designed by the owner himself, an architect. The entire house is also equipped with a WiFi connection, for the convenience of those bringing laptops.
Ground Floor: The entry to the chateau is via a double hall in Carrara marble. To the right of the hall is a spacious dining room, seating up to twenty guests. A large kitchen is fully equipped with microwave, oven, stove, dishwasher, coffee maker, and a table seating eight. To the left of the entrance hall, there is a large billiard room decorated with historic arms. There are two guest bathrooms, each with a sink and a toilet.
First Floor: Upstairs, a wide landing opens into a large drawing room/library with Louis XVI wood paneling and a Carrara marble fireplace. There is also a Louis XV music and games room. This floor is also host to the master bedroom, which contains a 160 cm queen-size bed and an additional 90 cm twin-bed. It has an ensuite bathroom containing a bathtub with a handheld showerhead. The WC is separate.
Second Floor: On this floor there are a total of seven bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom (including towel warmer and bathtub with handheld showerhead) and toilet. The first bedroom has a 150 cm small queen-size bed. The second room has a 100 cm large single bed. The third room has a 135 cm four poster bed, best suited for sleeping one. The fourth room contains two 90 cm twin-beds that can be combined to form a king-size bed upon request. The fifth room has a 160 cm queen-size bed. The sixth and seventh rooms each contain a 140 cm standard double bed. The chateau also has two baby cots that can be used in any room.

Features Description

Extra Services: The following are listed as an aid for trip planning; the services and prices are approximate and cannot be guaranteed by Rentvillas. All extra services are payable locally in cash.

• Cook: 11 Euros/hour plus cost of food
• Babysitting: On request
• Pool heating above 25 degrees C
• Heating of the chateau above 19 degrees C (or 66 degrees F)

Please Note:

• Occasionally the owners occupy a private wing of the chateau, but do not impose upon the clients' privacy. When present, they are happy to meet visitors if so desired.
• The caretakers have a dog that lives with them on the premises.


• Many French beds are 140 cm standard double beds, considered small by some Americans.
• It is customary to tip the staff 8%-10% of the rental cost upon departure.
• Utilities included in the price: heating, electricity.
• There is no charge for the heating of the pool up to 25 degrees C (or 77 degrees F).
• Included with the rental are three hours of housekeeping 5 days/week and a property caretaker (pool upkeep)

Features and Amenities

Free Parking on Premises Independent Villa Outside Area - Private Outside Dining Pool Towels Swimming Pool - Private Bikes Available - Upon Request Billiard/Pool Table CD player DVD player Ping Pong Table TV - English Channels Available Internet - Wireless Telephone - Incoming & Outgoing

American Coffee Maker Clothes Dryer Dishwasher Microwave Oven Washing Machine Heating - Whole House High Chair Portable Baby Crib/Play Pen - Upon Request Cook Service Available - Extra Cost Housekeeping - Included Housekeeping Available - Extra Cost

Arrival Times

Please note: Official Arrival Times:

• Sat 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Conditions *