10 Best Castles in Normandy
What are the Must-See Castles in Normandy?
The best castles in Normandy are scattered across the region. You’ll find them close to famous wartime landmarks, dotted along the stunning coastline and even perched at the top of an islet. Explore magnificent fortresses dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, spectacular Renaissance architecture and beautiful fairytale castles in this picturesque part of northwest France.
The region is known for its amazing gastronomy, and you can combine a castle tour with a delicious meal in a chateau or visit a culinary herb and plant garden. Locals love walking through the grounds and gardens of these castles, taking in the amazing views. Discover wonderful scenery, great photo opportunities and the best castles in Normandy in this guide.
1. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
A beautiful and historic UNESCO site
Ideal para: História, Foto, Vida noturna
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey towers over the island of Mont-Saint-Michel off the coast of Normandy. Follow the winding path up to this former Benedictine abbey and admire the spectacular architecture and immense, vaulted ceilings. Choose from several tours, including a self-guided visit and an informative tour with a guide. There is also a special tour, which will give you access to hidden rooms and the abbey terraces to see the magnificent golden archangel statue up close.
You’ll love the regular exhibitions and concerts held here, not to mention the amazing views over the bay. In summer, take in a light and sound show in the evening, which highlights the stunning beauty of the abbey. It will leave you awestruck.
Localização: L’Abbaye, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Abre: May–August: daily from 9 am to 7 pm. September–April: daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)2 33 89 80 00
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
2. Falaise Castle
Medieval fun with modern technology
Ideal para: História, Compras, Famílias
Falaise Castle sits on a hill overlooking the charming town, just a 30 minutes’ drive south of Caen. It’s an impressive chateau which was built by the early dukes of Normandy and then expanded by William the Conqueror. You can take a guided tour of the keeps and ramparts, but the castle is known for its fantastic self-guided tours.
Pick up a tablet at the entrance and you’ll enjoy an immersive interactive tour of this medieval castle with the use of augmented reality and short video screenings. The gift shop is highly recommended too. It’s great for kids, with a huge range of fun books, castle souvenirs, toys and games. Parking is free and just outside the castle walls.
Localização: Place Guillaume le Conquérant, 14700 Falaise, France
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)2 31 41 61 44
Falaise Castle
3. Pirou Castle
Family fun in a restored fortress
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, História
Pirou Castle lies close to the Normandy coast, approximately 100 km west of Caen. This imposing fortress dates back to the 12th century and legend states that it was built for protection against Scandinavian invasions. You’ll be in awe of the incredible tapestry on display, spreading over 58 metres, and showcasing Norman history from the Vikings through to the conquest of southern Italy and Sicily.
This is a great choice for a family day out, as the guided tours are designed to capture the attention and imagination of kids of all ages. The ‘Attacking the Castle’ tour is very popular. Put yourselves in the shoes of a Viking and learn how the fortress was designed to withstand assaults from enemies.
Localização: 3 Le Château, 50770 Pirou, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 33 46 34 71
Pirou Castle
4. Gaillard Castle
Historic stronghold close to the river
Ideal para: Foto, História, Vida noturna
Gaillard Castle towers majestically over the banks of the Seine in Les Andelys, between Rouen and Paris. Built by Richard the Lionheart at the end of the 12th century, it’s a magnificent fortress incredibly constructed in just 1 year. Bring your smartphone and enjoy a fascinating, virtual-reality tour of this monument.
In summer, don’t miss the great events, including falconry displays. Climb the hill opposite the fortress for spectacular sunset views over Gaillard Castle, the river and the valley too. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your visit as the castle lies at the top of a rocky spur and the paths to access it can be uneven and rugged in places.
Localização: Chemin de Château-Gaillard, 27700 Les Andelys, France
Abre: March–November: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). December–February: closed
Telefone: +33 (0)2 32 21 31 29
Gaillard Castle
5. Caen Castle
Medieval history in a city centre
Ideal para: História, Foto
Caen Castle was built circa 1060 by William the Conqueror. It’s a vast castle with picturesque grounds and you’ll see lots of locals enjoying a gentle stroll through the medieval-style plant and herb gardens on a sunny day. With its beautiful design, it’s easy to see why this chateau was a hit with so many dukes of Normandy and kings of England.
The castle is in the heart of the city, and you’ll get amazing views from the top of the ramparts, so don’t forget your camera. Once you’ve toured the castle, why not visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts and its sculpture park, inside the grounds? The permanent collection is incredibly popular, and the museum is open daily.
Localização: Château de Caen, 14000 Caen, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 31 30 47 60
Caen Castle
6. Carrouges Castle
A unique château with a full events calendar
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Alimentação
Carrouges Castle is distinctive with its red-brick façade and magnificent towers. Dating to the 14th century, this magnificent chateau and its 10 hectares of grounds form a popular UNESCO site in the heart of the Normandy countryside. You’ll love the wide range of events, including exhibits by contemporary and local artists, concerts, shows and cookery workshops in the historic kitchen.
You can even enjoy a traditional feast in the restored bakery combined with a tour of the chateau. If you’re looking for a fantastic day out on a budget, you can visit a large part of Carrouges Castle and its grounds for free. You’ll only need to pay for a ticket to tour the apartments on the upper floors.
Localização: 3 Le Château, 61320 Carrouges, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 33 27 20 32
Carrouges Castle
7. Gisors Castle
Legends and mysteries
Ideal para: História, Foto
Gisors Castle lies midway between Paris and Rouen. This statuesque château, with its austere tower, was built during the reign of William the Conqueror’s second son. Then, in the 14th century, it was used as a prison and guarded by the Knights Templar, and that’s the era a famous legend dates from. Take a guided tour and discover the mysterious engravings inside the tower, listening to the legend of the buried treasure as you explore the castle.
The 3-hectare park surrounding the castle is popular with both locals and tourists alike. After your tour, enjoy a tranquil picnic under the shade of the century-old trees in the grounds and take in the amazing views over the town of Gisors.
Localização: Place de Blanmont, 27140 Gisors, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 32 27 60 63
Gisors Castle
8. Ravalet Castle
Delightful gardens and grounds
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
Ravalet Castle is straight out of a book of fairy tales. Head to the Manche department and be enchanted by this Renaissance-style chateau with its numerous turrets and distinctive blue-shale façade. It’s only open to the public on heritage days, but visitors flock here for the free access to the 17-hectare estate and to admire its outstanding beauty.
Known by locals as Tourlaville Castle, after the town, it’s a popular site for photographers to capture some stunning pictures. You’ll love the landscaped gardens and magnificent greenhouse, full of cacti, banana plants and exotic shrubs. Kids will love the duck pond and the fountains, and there’s a fantastic play area for them to burn off some energy too.
Localização: 387 Avenue du Château des Ravalet, 50110 Tourlaville, France
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)2 33 22 01 35
Ravalet Castle
9. Gratot Castle
A restored castle close to Coutances
Ideal para: História, Foto
Gratot Castle is known for its beautiful moat. Walk down the long entranceway to the château and the sheer size of the castle and its surrounding water will leave you speechless. Pick up a guide as you enter and take your time following the signposted route, exploring the history and architecture of this extraordinary castle.
Enjoy the rotating exhibitions and be inspired by the amazing photography, paintings and sculptures on display. Check the website for the castle’s cinema and theatre nights too, which are incredibly popular, often with a historical or regional theme. Choose from a rousing performance of Richard III or sit back and enjoy William the Conqueror brought to life on the big screen.
Localização: 80 Rue d’Argouges, 50200 Gratot, France
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)2 33 45 18 49
Gratot Castle
10. Creully Castle
An atypical fortress with wartime history
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, História
Creully Castle lies just 15 km east of Bayeux with its famous tapestry. It’s close to the D-Day landing beaches and you’ll find historical artefacts relating to World War II in the radio museum inside the building. Step back in time to 1944 when the BBC installed a studio in the square tower and see how the news reported wartime events in the reconstructed site. It’s a fascinating exhibit for both kids and adults alike.
The castle is a beautiful mix of medieval and Renaissance styles, and you’ll get some great photos of its unusual architecture. You’ll love the choice of family activities too, including games for aspiring knights and decoding quizzes to challenge young Einsteins.
Localização: 30 Place Edmond Paillaud, 14480 Creully sur Seulles, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)6 84 29 07 16
Creully Castle
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