Château de Bénouville
A stunning French neoclassical château by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, set in a beautiful wooded park near Caen.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful walks in the park.
Château de Bénouville
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful walks in the park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning French neoclassical château by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, set in a beautiful wooded park near Caen.
"Very beautiful castle in a magnificent wooded park. "
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Confirm current opening status before visiting, as it has been unexpectedly closed. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
The surrounding wooded park is beautiful for walks along the canal. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neoclassical Architecture
Admire the elegant and innovative French neoclassical design by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, a true architectural gem.
Monumental Staircase
Behold the château's magnificent staircase, widely considered a masterpiece of its time.
Wooded Park
Stroll through the beautiful, expansive wooded park surrounding the château, perfect for leisurely walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before You Go
Embrace the History and Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Confirm current opening status before visiting, as it has been unexpectedly closed. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
The surrounding wooded park is beautiful for walks along the canal. :walking:
📸 Capture the Architecture
Don't miss the chance to photograph the château's elegant neoclassical design. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Confirm current opening status before visiting, as it has been unexpectedly closed. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
The surrounding wooded park is beautiful for walks along the canal. :walking:
📸 Capture the Architecture
Don't miss the chance to photograph the château's elegant neoclassical design. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Château de Bénouville is praised for its beautiful French neoclassical architecture and the lovely wooded park perfect for strolls. However, visitors have noted issues with unexpected closures, highlighting the importance of verifying opening hours before arrival.
"Despite being 'open' online the property was closed with a sign posted on the gate. Seemed like left hand right hand stupidity."
Richard Johnson (Ricardo J)
"Cool"
Chris Tof
"Château de Bénouville - French neoclassical architecture. Built between 1768 and 1777, it is the work of architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. During the French Revolution, the château was confiscated and sold as national property. During the Second World War, the château was requisitioned by the German army. It was then converted into a departmental maternity hospital.
- Remarkable architecture: The château is renowned for its elegant and innovative architecture for the time. Its monumental staircase is considered a masterpiece. The château is now owned by the Calvados Departmental Council.
Famous people:
Annie Girardot (1931-2011): The French actress has a special connection with the château, as her mother worked there as a midwife when Annie was a child.
Gérard Lenorman (born in 1945):
The famous French singer was born in the maternity hospital located at Château de Bénouville. John Wingate: Former British naval officer and writer. He lived in Bénouville and wrote four books there."
P. B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Château de Bénouville is located in Bénouville, near Caen in Normandy, France. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's generally accessible by car. The area is also bordered by a cycle and walking path along the canal from Caen to the sea, making it a pleasant destination for cyclists and walkers.
Information regarding dedicated parking facilities at Château de Bénouville is limited. Visitors often arrive by car and may find parking in the vicinity, especially when exploring the surrounding park and canal paths.
Yes, cycling is a great option! The château is situated along a scenic cycle path that runs alongside the canal from Caen to the sea, offering a beautiful and accessible route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's crucial to verify the current opening hours before your visit, as some visitors have reported finding the château unexpectedly closed. Check directly with the Calvados Departmental Council for the most up-to-date information.
Information on ticket requirements and pricing for Château de Bénouville is not widely available. It's advisable to check with the Calvados Departmental Council for details on admission fees and whether advance booking is necessary.
While the château is a historical site, its accessibility can vary. Some visitors have encountered it being closed unexpectedly. It's best to confirm its public access status and hours directly with the owning authority.
📸 📸 Photography
The château's elegant French neoclassical architecture, particularly its monumental staircase, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The surrounding wooded park and the adjacent canal also provide picturesque backdrops.
Photography policies inside historical buildings can vary. If access is granted, it's always a good idea to inquire about any restrictions on photography within the château itself.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Château de Bénouville is a prime example of French neoclassical architecture, designed by the renowned architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux between 1768 and 1777.
The château has a rich history, including being confiscated and sold during the French Revolution, requisitioned by the German army during WWII, and later converted into a departmental maternity hospital.
Yes, the French actress Annie Girardot's mother worked as a midwife there, and the singer Gérard Lenorman was born in the maternity hospital located at the château. Writer John Wingate also lived in Bénouville.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park, making it a relaxed and budget-friendly outing. The historical context, while perhaps less engaging for very young children, can be a gentle introduction to French history for older kids, especially when combined with the stories of famous people connected to the site.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Delve into its rich history, from its revolutionary confiscation to its wartime use and later role as a maternity hospital. The stories of figures like Annie Girardot and Gérard Lenorman add a personal touch to the château's historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux
Beyond its visual appeal, the château's design reflects the Enlightenment ideals of reason and order. Its integration into the landscape, with a beautiful wooded park, further enhances its charm. Visitors often remark on the overall beauty of the architecture and its setting, making it a noteworthy stop for those interested in French architectural history.
A Site of Historical Resonance
This layered history adds a unique dimension to any visit. The château's past as a maternity hospital also links it to notable figures; the French actress Annie Girardot's mother worked there as a midwife, and the famous French singer Gérard Lenorman was born within its walls. These personal connections underscore the château's enduring presence in local memory and French cultural history.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit