Normandy Châteaux & Gardens  Because of the influence of the gulf stream, Normandy generally manages to avoid the most extreme cold weather (similar to the south west coast of the UK) and as a consequence flowers flourish in the area.  Accordingly Normandy is famous for its gardens.  Gites de France has a free brochure – contact them by e-mail or telephone on 02 32 62 00 80.  The area is also blessed with some beautiful Châteaux that boast splendid gardens.

Château de Crevecoeur

Location: 30km east of Caen via the N13.
General Info: Tel: 02 31 61 18 35.  Website.  Open every day from April to September. Also open Sunday afternoons in October.
Description:  Surrounded by trees and moats, Château-de-Crevecoeur in the Pays d’Auge is a great place to visit.  The medieval architecture is typical of the Normandy region with many of the buildings made from wood, in a style known as ‘half-timbered’, or ‘à pans de bois’ in French.  In the barn there is an exhibition dedicated to the Schlumberger brothers, who invented and tested in the Pays d’Auge, a method of searching for oil which is now used worldwide.  There are various other displays of medieval life.
Our recommendations: Visit in early August when the medieval festivals are re-enacted (see website for details).

          - Best Gardens
          - Château de Crevecoeur
          - Château de Vendeuvre
          - Jumièges Abbey
          - Naturospace



If you know of any other châteaux or gardens in Normandy which are worthy of inclusion in this website, please send us your feedback.

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