Guide to the chateau area


The local area is often called la Côte Fleurie, a reflection of the wonderful flora, added to by many towns and villages. The wider area has been known as Calvados since the French revolution, a name originally used for the local "Eau de vie de cidre". For us, this was the natural part of France to own a Chateau, warm people, a good climate and such variety. A guide to the area could cover so much, although the local images speak for themselves.


The picture below seemed natural on the Côte Fleurie. Hold the mouse cursor over the small images on the right and they will replace the original view.

Explore local towns and resorts

So many to mention, with chic Deauville and lively Trouville nearby. Our chateau sits between them, just inland from the soft, golden beaches. Both Deauville and Trouville are well recognised for these but there is more, from children's entertainment to fine restaurants, casinos, film festivals, wonderful shopping. Yet we often spend quiet moments, a drink, or meal at La Brasserie La Digue, on Tourgéville La Plage. Watching a wonderful sunset, children running free on the sands, or sitting with their parents, as small French children do.


Then there is Benerville, where you can go to watch strings of fine racehorses exercise on the sand. Honfleur, a port that serves the sea and the river. A centre for lovers of small boats but also the birthplace of Impressionism and home to Normandy's Museum of Culture. Make sure you drive up the Côte de Grâce, then on to Mont Joli, for breathtaking views of the Normandy coast. Beuvron-en-Auge is worthy of a visit, with a central square that is actually oval and full of exceptional, multi-coloured, timbered houses. Caen is the capital of the region, well known for the Memorial Museum, excellent markets and William the Conqueror's unbelievably impressive chateau, a town within itself. Caen was heavily bombed but has been reborn, combining the old and the new, Romanesque architecture mixed unobtrusively with modern design.


The area reflects this ability to merge differing aspects in an unspoilt way, you can go from effervescent beaches to the quiet Norman countryside in minutes. Visiting the region recharges our spirits and we hope the same will happen for you. More information is available through our resources page, including a complete list of local tourist offices, or take a look at our own Normandy guide.