For centuries upon centuries, Normandy, France has been the site of royalty, battles, and revolutions. The castles in Normandy are home to these ancient memories, from ruins that have almost been reclaimed by nature, to magnificently grand fortresses standing tall above sweeping gardens that you can see for miles away.
Here are 20 of the best châteaus and castles in Normandy that you can visit when you are traveling in France.
Most Famous Castle In Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most glorious castles in Normandy, and a definite sight to see! It’s an abbey that sits on top of a rocky island out at sea and looks like a mystical fortress from centuries past.
Dating all the way back to the ninth century, it has been a Christian pilgrimage site, a prison holding those who protested the French monarch, and an abbey. This medieval-style Normandy castle attracts more than three million tourists annually and is a must-see if you’re in the Norman area.
To top it all off, in the summer, as the sun sinks below the horizon, the castle comes alive with the ‘Chronicles of the Mount’ night show with remarkable lights and sounds dancing throughout its chambers.
This is one of the top attractions in Normandy and you should reserve a ticket in advance when visiting. There are also many tours that dive deep into the history of this Normandy castle.
Manche, Normandy Castles
Château Musée de Dieppe
Since 1923, this château has been home to a museum filled to the brim with an eclectic collection of 2,300 objects. These include impressionist paintings, maritime instruments, archaeological findings, and the most extensive collection of ivory in Europe.
Along with this, it has an interesting history. Founded in 1188, ruined by 1195, then later renovated in the 14th century and attacked again in 1694, the château has seen its fair share of conflict.
This castle in Normandy is perfect for lovers of history and is situated in the ideal spot to provide you with panoramic views of the town and the Normandy coast. Go to visit this museum, rich in artifacts, and enjoy a day learning about French art, culture, and history.
Château de Nacqueville
The stunning architecture and gardens make Château de Nacqueville one of the most beautiful castles in Normandy! It’s pocketed in a valley by the coast on the Cotentin peninsula of Normandy and has been registered as a monument historique.
It was founded in 1510 as a means of defense and has seen continuous restoration throughout the following centuries to include granite walls and a stone roof, making it into the charming château it is today.
It also boasts a gorgeous park that was designed by an English gardener in the 1830s. The park features delicate waterfalls, blooming flowers, and glorious trees across the grass lawns. This garden has even been awarded the badge of jardin remarquable by the Ministère de la Culture.
Hôtel de Beaumont
This is a castle in Normandy where you’re able to stay overnight in, giving you the opportunity to live in your very own fairytale. It’s an enchanting and magnificent piece of architecture with an elegant interior, taking you back in time to the aristocracy of the 18th century.
The opulence of this château continues into the sweeping grounds, complete with a dreamy rose garden and a peaceful landscaped park. You can stay at the Hôtel de Beaumont for an escape into a life of royalty, glamour and relaxation!
Château Fort de Pirou
Built in the 12th century and modified in the 18th, nature has begun to climb over the exterior of this Normandy castle, giving an intriguing and mystical feel to it.
A deep moat surrounds the fortress and a bridge leads you inside. It’s perfect to spark your imagination and enables you to explore inside a mighty monument of times past.
You can even climb up to the rampart which is a narrow structure right next to the roof, giving you incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
Château de Gratot
This is a breathtaking castle dating all the way back to the 13th century. It is now in ruins but its four towers still stand tall and are surrounded by a deep defense moat.
This castle in Normandy is home to a spell-binding legend. The Fairy Tower is said to have once been home to a fairy who married the Lord of Argouges. For the fairy to stay with the Lord, he was never to mention death in front of her. However, one fateful day, that is just what he did, causing the fairy to fly out of the window and leave him forever.
When you visit, keep your eyes peeled for the fairy’s handprint on one of the castle’s stones.
Calvados, Normandy Castles
Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet
This is one of the most intriguing-looking castles in Normandy with its checkered Prê d-Auge glazed stone of green and grey making it look like something out of a Tim Burton film.
It’s a beautiful Normandy castle situated in a valley in the French countryside, surrounded by a deep moat where swans gracefully float across the water and gardens that are free to visit.
To enter inside this historic monument, you must pay to take a tour and these run throughout the summer months, from April until November. You’ll be transported back to the opulence of the 19th century.
Château de Caen (Caen Castle)
William the Conqueror built this Normandy castle in approximately 1060 and it now stands as one of the grandest medieval enclosure castles in all of Europe.
The Caen castle has seen some tumultuous battles over the centuries including the Hundred Years’ War. It is now home to St. George’s Church which was built by Henry I in 1123.
You’ll get the opportunity to see picturesque views of Caen along with the chance to visit the Museum of Normandy and the Museum of Fine Arts, a medicinal garden, and an underground Rampart Room.
Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant (Château de Falaise)
An impressive restoration effort has brought this fortress back to life which towers above the town of Falaise on a steep cliff. It is also known as Château de Falaise.
This castle in Normandy stands on the place where William the Conqueror was born in the 11th century, was completed by King Philip-Augustus of France, and has witnessed many battles of the Hundred Years’ War.
It was declared a monument historique in 1840 and now serves as a rich source of education and will provide you with a completely immersive experience. You’ll learn about the dukes, kings, and wars of Normandy’s history by watching videos, recreated furniture, and 3D digital graphics.
Château de Cruelly
This gorgeous château in Normandy is steeped in a glorious amount of history, with multiple modifications over the years creating a fortress made of a patchwork of different eras.
This makes it one of the most interesting castles in Normandy to visit. It was originally built in the 11th century but garnered its fortress design in 1360. It was then exchanged between the English and French multiple times during the Hundred Years’ War.
In addition to that, this Normandy castle played a key role in the WWII D-Day landings as it was used as the BBC headquarters until 1944.
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Orne, Normandy Castles
Château de Domfront
This medieval château is now in ruins with building work from the keep, enceinte, ramparts, towers, casemates, and chapel remaining for you to explore.
It was a vital defense in the 11th century, was attacked by William the Conqueror in 1051, and was given to his third son, Henry I. It was also used by Henry II and Thomas Becket as a meeting point to discuss their disagreements on the rights of the Church.
In the 1600s, Maximilien de Béthune, duc de Sully destroyed this Normandy castle but the remains were declared a monument historique in 1875.
The Domfront Tourist Office provides guided tours around the château every Tuesday and Thursday in French and on Wednesday in English. Also, the surrounding grounds are free to visit.
Eure, Normandy Castles
Château de Bizy
Out of all the castles in Normandy, Château de Bizy has got to be one of the most elegant. Constructed in the 1700s, this 18th-century castle offers a beautiful and relaxing day out.
There is a courtyard, stables, Gobelins tapestries, artifacts from the First French Empire, and a gorgeous park for you to explore. The park itself is classified as a Historic monument featuring fountains and sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses adding to the magnificence of the area.
Tours are offered to allow you to venture inside the Normandy castle. When you go, be sure to visit their lovely Boutique and Tea Room with a variety of drinks, sweets, and local Normandy products.
Château de Gisors
This monument historique was used by King William II of England to defend the English occupation of Normandy in the 11th century. It is also where Philip II of France was captured in 1193.
This circular fortress is situated on a 15-metre motte radiating an air of authority from its heightened position. This Normandy castle has been classified as an important heritage site.
Legend has it that hidden somewhere underneath the castle’s grounds are the mysterious treasures of the Knights Templar.
Château de Fleury la Forêt
This splendid piece of architecture is nestled in the woods of Lyons-la-Forêt with a French-style park and lime trees lining the pathway up to the château.
The building itself was made in the 16th century using red brick and flint and the interior resembles a grand 19th-century house. There’s also a charming museum showcasing antique dolls which makes for a unique display.
You can go there for a day visit or even stay overnight in one of the rooms depending on what kind of experience you’d like to have!
Château du Champ de Bataille
This castle of Normandy has enough grandeur to be nicknamed ‘Normandy’s Versailles’ and for good reason. In all seasons and all weathers, this château is a spectacle, and its magnificence radiates from its walls.
Funnily enough, it was built by Alexandre de Créqui Berneuille in the 1600s. He’d been exiled from Versailles so wanted a place to remind him of the court he could no longer visit.
When the French Revolution happened, this was one of the castles in Normandy that was stormed. However, it was renovated by a renowned contemporary French designer, Jacques Garcia, into the beautiful château it is today.
Château Gaillard
This is one of the castles in Normandy with a massively rich history. Overlooking the Seine, this fortification has acted as a defense of Les Andelys since medieval times.
Richard the Lionheart used the land as a military base in the 1100s and it was also one of the first castles to use machicolations. There are wall openings that defenders of the castle poured hot oil or dropped stones through to harm attackers.
It was exchanged between hands during the Hundred Years’ War and was finally captured by France in 1449. In 1599, Henry IV destroyed it, meaning it’s now in ruins, but still a fascinating place to visit – especially for history lovers.
Château d’Arques-la-Bataille
A ruined castle, this château represents the violent history it’s witnessed over hundreds of years. It was built around the 11th century by Guillaume d’Arques, William the Conqueror’s uncle, and has a tumultuous past.
This was the last castle to surrender to King Phillip II of France, representing the growth of his power in French territory. It is also where Joan of Arc was imprisoned in 1431 before she was sentenced to death in Rouen.
Despite its ruinous appearance, this castle in Normandy is a must-visit for those who are interested in French history. It also offers incredible views overlooking the nearby village, Calmont and Gruchet meadows, and also of the National Forest of Arques.
Parc de Clères
An absolutely stunning piece of architecture, this Normandy castle is situated in a haven of natural wildlife. More than 1,300 animals roam free on the castle grounds, including cranes, flamingos, peacocks, and even wallabies!
It was built in 1919 by Jean Delacour, a French naturalist, and boasts gorgeous gothic 16th-century style architecture.
This location is a wonderful day out for the whole family, with educational entertainment for children, cultural events, and gloriously fresh air to take time away from the crowds and joy a day outside.
Château de Vascoeuil
This charming castle in Normandy sits like a dollhouse in the French countryside and is home to beautiful gardens and the Jule Michelet Museum in a Norman-style house in the very center of the park.
It’s open throughout the summer months, from April to November. Every year, the château hosts a modern art exhibition for visitors.
This Normandy castle is a peaceful haven in rural France and is perfect for lovers of art, culture, and history.
Château des Aygues
A stunning piece of architecture, this castle in Normandy used to be the holiday home for the queens of Spain in the 19th century. The interior retains the grandiose air that the château must’ve had all those years ago.
The surrounding area, Étretat, is also well worth the visit as it’s where the likes of artists such as Monet, Corot, and Bousin spent some of their time and is a beautiful seaside attraction with blue seas and steep cliffs.
The castle itself offers guided tours, has intriguing porcelain collections all the way from China, and has been classified as a monument historique. Visit this château for a quaint, relaxing day spent by the beach!
Discovering The Best Castles In Normandy
There are so many gorgeous castles in Normandy for you to choose from, with such tumultuous histories to learn about and magnificent surrounding areas full of wildlife and the charm of the French countryside.
Be sure to check out some these interesting châteaus or castles in Normandy when you are visiting the region. They can be pretty exciting experiences, taking a trip back in time or into a fairytale.
