Own a French Castle for Less Than €1 Million

Located in the Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, this 16th-century castle combines history, elegance, and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush meadows, marshlands, and stunning coastlines, it offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with breathtaking views and serene landscapes.

Own a French Castle for Less Than €1 Million
Credit: Patrice Besse

This beautiful castle, available for just €950,000, is just a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from a charming market town, providing all essential amenities, shops, and medical services. For those needing to travel to Paris, the city is only 3 hours by car or 1 hour and 15 minutes by TGV from Laval station, which is an hour’s drive from the property. The world-famous Mont Saint-Michel and the stunning beaches of Manche are just 45 minutes away.

Approaching the castle, a 900-metre driveway leads through the countryside to the south-facing entrance of the estate. As you enter, you'll pass an old bread oven and a large agricultural storehouse, giving a glimpse of the property’s agricultural heritage. Further along, you’ll discover a beautiful 1712 chapel inscribed with its date of origin above the arched doorway. The driveway crosses over a moat, which surrounds the castle and adds to its grandeur. The main building features two striking towers with narrow windows, typical of fortified houses from the 16th century, and is capped with an elegant slate roof. Opposite the castle is a second historical building, while a large barn with a hayloft borders the tranquil pond at the rear of the property.

Built as a "fortified house" during a turbulent time in Normandy's history, the castle is rich in architectural character. The main facade is framed by two round towers, topped with distinctive eight-sided roofs, while the rear features another round tower and a square tower. The stone construction showcases fine detailing, with stone window surrounds and corner quoins, while the intricate slate roofs are adorned with dormer windows and bull's-eye openings.

On the ground floor, a glass-panelled door opens into a spacious dining room with a terracotta tiled floor and a grand granite fireplace. From here, a doorway leads to a kitchen housed in one of the castle’s towers, and a window offers views of the pond. Adjacent to the dining room is a large living room with stone flooring, exposed beams, and wood panelling that adds a touch of historic charm. This room also features a second grand fireplace and is filled with natural light from the large windows and glass doors. A bedroom with an en-suite bathroom is also located on the ground floor, in one of the turrets.

Two beautiful wooden staircases, one in the dining room and the other in the living room, lead to the first floor. Here, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Two of these are housed in the castle’s turrets, while the central bedroom offers views of the surrounding landscape. Throughout this level, the floors are finished with fine oak, adding warmth and elegance to the space.

The second floor, set under the roof’s timber framework, offers two additional bedrooms. The first has an en-suite bathroom, while the second features a washbasin, providing flexibility for family or guests. The exposed beams and wooden floors create a charming, cosy atmosphere.

Chapel and guest house

The 1712 chapel on the estate, listed as a historic monument, is a beautifully preserved example of early 18th-century Norman architecture. Its slate roof, exposed stonework, and arched windows give it a rustic charm that enhances the overall appeal of the property.

Across the courtyard from the castle is a secondary building built in the same period. This guest house offers a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a mezzanine bedroom, and a small shower room—perfect for accommodating visitors or additional family members.

Outbuildings and parkland

At the entrance to the estate stands an old bakehouse with a tiled roof. Opposite is a large stone barn, currently used for agricultural storage, while near the pond, another stone barn with a timber and wattle-and-daub framework completes the outbuildings.

The castle is set within 6 hectares of private parkland, including a 2.5-hectare meadow dotted with apple trees. The rest of the grounds are lush with grass and bordered by beech trees and a variety of other forest species, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

This extraordinary property offers the rare chance to own a piece of Normandy’s history, with its unique blend of historic architecture, natural beauty, and modern comfort. It is an ideal retreat for those looking to experience the charm of rural France while enjoying the convenience of nearby amenities and transport links to Paris.