Elegant Tower Wing in Historic Chateau in Normandy

About The Experience

Walk in the footsteps of the renowned French political writer and historian Alexis de Tocqueville at his beautiful chateau in Normandy. This elegant four-level wing is located in the tower of de Tocqueville’s private family estate, which houses extensive grounds, a pond and tennis court.

Location Description

The property is located on France’s Cotentin Peninsula, on the west end of Normandy, 4 kilometers from the seaside. The nearest village is the charming fisherman’s hamlet of Barfleur (4.5 km), where there are a few shops, boulangerie, fishmonger and grocery store, and visitors can watch the arrival of the fishing boats. The port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, whose fortified buildings have UNESCO World Heritage classification, is 13 kilometers from the property, and the port of Cherbourg is 20 kilometers away. The surrounding area has many famous World War II battle sites from the D-Day invasion, including Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Eglise (36 km), Carentan (54 km), Pointe du Hoc (79 km), Omaha Beach (89 km), the Memorial Museum in Caen (126 km), and Pegasus Bridge (136 km). The nearest train stations are either Cherbourg or Valognes -- the train trip between Paris and Valognes is a little under three hours. The closest airport is Cherbourg Maupertus (10 km).

Nearby Attractions: le Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the Merveille du Monde Occidental, is 2 ¼ hours drive away.

Utah Beach: 36 km/ 22.4 mi
Port of Cherbourg: 20 km/ 12.4 mi
Port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue: 13 km/ 8 mi
Cherbourg Maupertus (nearest airport): 10 km/ 6.2 mi
Barfleur: 4.5 km/ 2.8 mi

Exterior Description

(6 hectares) The Tower wing has extensive grounds which include an English-style garden, a pond (the castle’s resident swan is named Lorenza), ample manicured lawns, ancient oaks and willows, and a tennis court. There are several tables for alfresco dining or coffee as well as an outdoor sofa and armchairs. In a separate building there is an exhibit devoted to the life of Alexis de Tocqueville, which was created in 2005 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth. The grounds also feature two German blockhouses which were once part of The Atlantic Wall in World War II. Onsite outdoor parking is available (interior parking may available upon request in advance).

Interior Description

(400 m2/ 4,306 ft2)

Ground Floor: The tower opens on a small entrance hall with a closet, guest bathroom (sink, toilet) and a hidden elevator. The reading/dining room has a sofa, armchairs, large 17th-century fireplace and a family dining table. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, American coffee maker and electric tea kettle. There is also a library area. An elevator leads to the upper floors.

First Floor: There are two bedrooms on this floor. The first bedroom has a king-size bed (180 cm, can be separated into two 90 cm single beds upon request), views of the pond and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, French shower, double sinks, toilet and hairdryer. The second bedroom has a king-size bed (180 cm, can be separated into two 90 cm single beds upon request) and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet and hairdryer.

Second Floor: There are two bedrooms which offer beautiful views, one of the sea and the other of the Norman countryside. The first bedroom, which houses Alexis de Tocqueville’s personal bed frame, features two large single beds (130 cm each) and an ensuite bathroom with an Italian-style shower, sink, toilet and hairdryer. The second bedroom features a four-poster king-size bed (180 cm) and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, shower, sink, toilet and hairdryer. This bathroom is wheelchair accessible.

Third Floor: There is a family room and one bedroom. The family room features a sofa, armchairs, a home cinema and games. The bedroom has a beamed ceiling and features a four-poster king-size bed (180 cm) and an art deco-style ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, shower, sink, toilet and hairdryer.

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/Chef Service: Upon request in advance
• Driver: Upon request in advance
• Guide: Upon request in advance
• Firewood (additional): Upon request

Please Note:

• Housekeeping: Included for three hours daily.
• Internet: All floors are equipped with internet. There is WiFi on the ground floor, and the other floors have cable internet access.
• A laundry area with a washing machine and clothes dryer is available for the exclusive use of guests on the ground floor of the carriage house.
• The grounds are private to guests, though on occasion the family may be in residence.
• Firewood: Some firewood provided upon arrival, more is available upon request for an extra cost.

Features and Amenities

Property Seasons & Rates (USD)

Date Range

Weekly

Min Stay

Apr-05-2023 - Apr-12-2023

$7,351 $6,616

3 night

For exact pricing and conditions, click the View Availability button and then click View Pricing and Conditions.

Arrival Times

Please note: Official Arrival Times:

• Sun 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Mon 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Tue 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Wed 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Thu 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Fri 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Sat 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM