Chateau De L’Empereur | 16-Bedroom Chateau in Villers-Bocage Val d’Arr

Villers-Bocage sits quietly in the Calvados countryside, a village most travellers pass through en route to the D-Day beaches. But stop here, and you’ll discover why discerning groups rent entire chateaux for weeks rather than days. Chateau De L’Empereur commands 125 acres of rolling parkland where your 40 guests will inhabit a 17th-century fortress transformed into a contemporary hospitality stage—complete with cinema, spa facilities, dual swimming pools, and a kitchen designed for the kind of cooking that becomes the highlight of the holiday itself.

Inside Chateau De L’Empereur

Chateau De L’Empereur sleeps 40 guests across 16 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, spread across four distinct floors of 2,000 square metres. This isn’t a villa in the conventional sense; it’s a functioning estate where 18th-century architecture meets 21st-century luxury.

The ground floor operates as the social spine of the property. An expansive 50-square-metre open-plan kitchen-diner dominates the space—the kind of room where seven people can work simultaneously without collision, where the chef (yours, if hired) becomes theatre and the audience becomes sous chefs. Adjacent sits a 40-seat screening room beneath soaring vaults, equipped with 7.1 surround sound and PlayStation 4 gaming. Adjacent to this sits the games room. A 10-by-3-metre indoor swimming pool (depth: 1.5m) features a continuous current system for lap swimmers. The 15-capacity marble Jacuzzi adjoins the sauna, both climate-controlled year-round. A dedicated office and secondary kitchen complete this floor—the infrastructure of large-group living made invisible.

The first floor houses the ceremonial spaces. Two drawing rooms—one spanning 70 square metres, the second 55 square metres—command different aspects of the surrounding landscape. Between them sits a formal dining room (65m²) proportioned for long tables and longer conversations. A smaller preparation kitchen services this floor. Room One, the first bedroom suite, features a 200-by-200-centimetre convertible twin/double bed with full ensuite (bath and walk-in shower).

The second floor contains the majority of guest chambers. Rooms Two through Ten occupy this level: Room Two offers a 200x200cm bed with full bath facilities. Room Three provides dual 200x200cm beds (sleeps four) plus bath and walk-in shower. Room Four combines a 200x200cm bed with a single bed (sleeps three) and full ensuite. Rooms Five through Eight each feature 200x200cm beds with shower-only ensuites. Room Nine, a 200x200cm double, adjoins Room Ten (180x190cm double), allowing flexible family configurations with cot space in both rooms and a connecting door between them. All rooms on this floor feature individual climate control and blackout facilities.

The mezzanine floor provides two further bedrooms. Room Eleven: 140x190cm double bed with full ensuite. Room Twelve: 180x190cm bed with cot allowance and adjacent private bathroom.

The third floor accommodates four more suites. Room Thirteen, a quad configuration with two 200x200cm beds, sleeps four and includes full bath and walk-in shower access. Room Fourteen functions as a mezzanine room with a 200x200cm double bed plus three singles (sleeps five, plus cot space) and full ensuite bathroom. Room Fifteen consists of a main suite with children’s annexe featuring twin beds—ideal for parents requiring proximity to younger guests—with shower ensuite. Room Sixteen, the uppermost bedroom, offers a double bed with shower ensuite and views across the parkland.

Throughout the property, eight of the 16 bathrooms feature full bath-and-shower combinations; the remaining eight provide spacious shower ensuites. All feature heated towel rails and rainfall showerheads. A passenger lift services all floors for guests with mobility considerations.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The exterior landscape spans 125 acres of uninterrupted parkland. In warmer months, the 20-by-4-metre outdoor swimming pool (depth: 1.5m, with motorised safety shutter) becomes the social hub from May through September. The pool surround captures southern exposure, with the parkland rolling beyond—no neighbours visible, only ancient oaks and naturalized wildlife. Rabbits graze openly; wild deer emerge at dusk. Ponds punctuate the grounds, reflecting sky. A fountain marks the formal garden near the house; beyond it, woodland trails wind through managed forest where cycling and walking paths have been cleared.

A substantial BBQ area sits adjacent to the main terraces, permitting outdoor dining for the full party. Stone fountains and cascading streams audibly mark the landscape—the constant background murmur of water that transforms silence into something active and alive.

Location: Villers-Bocage and the Surrounding Area

Villers-Bocage occupies a particular place in modern European memory. The village itself, less than 1km from Chateau De L’Empereur, contains a working bakery, two functioning restaurants, and twin supermarkets at the outskirts—the practical infrastructure of large-group dining. The village’s World War II significance permeates local history; it features prominently in Battle of Normandy historical tours.

The chateau functions as an ideal base for exploring Normandy’s most consequential sites. Omaha Beach lies 47km north—one of the five primary D-Day landing zones. Arromanches (36km), another critical invasion beach, now features the preserved artificial harbour structures. Longues-sur-Mer (35km) presents intact German coastal batteries and clifftop fortifications, accessible via walking trails. Bayeux (27km) houses the UNESCO-inscribed Bayeux Tapestry in its cathedral museum, depicting the Norman Conquest of 1066; the town itself contains numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and medieval architecture intact from the 11th century.

Moving east into the Pays d’Auge region, Beuvron-en-Auge presents the archetypal half-timbered Norman village with award-winning local cuisine. Château de Crèvecoeur (56km) and its adjoining war museum document D-Day specifically. Balleroy Castle (23km), one of France’s finest 17th-century chateaux, offers interior tours. Château Vendeuvre (52km), classified as a French historic monument, displays 18th-century furnishings and formal gardens.

The coastline itself—accessible within 30 minutes—offers exceptional beaches. Deauville (68km) functions as an elegant resort town with casino, racecourse, and seafront promenades. Honfleur (83km), situated at the Seine’s mouth, preserves its working fishing harbour with coloured buildings reflecting in still water—arguably Normandy’s most photographed location. Sand yachting operates at Asnelles (35km). Kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and sailing facilities dot the coast.

Golf courses cluster throughout Calvados. Omaha Beach Golf (36km) plays directly above the invasion beaches; several other championship courses operate within an hour’s drive. The Pole International du Cheval—an internationally regarded equestrian centre—lies within 60 minutes’ drive, offering guided hacks through Norman countryside. Cycling routes link villages; walking paths cross forests and farmland.

Calvados itself—the apple brandy—originates from this landscape. Private distillery tours can be arranged; many farms combine Calvados production with regional dairy products, cider, and cheese-making demonstrations. Browse our villas in Calvados for additional property options, explore our luxury villas in Villers-Bocage, and consult our Normandy travel guide for deeper destination planning. Our full collection in France offers additional estates across Normandy and beyond.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Chateau De L’Empereur accommodates specific guest profiles effectively. Extended families—grandparents, parents, children, partners—benefit from the 16 individual rooms; privacy is assured, yet common spaces force daily interaction. The cinema and gaming facilities occupy younger guests during poor weather. The pools, both indoor and outdoor, structure the day around water-based activity.

Corporate retreats and team-building events utilise the scale. Forty people can gather in the dining room or drawing rooms; breakout sessions occupy the office and secondary spaces. The chef’s kitchen supports catering operations or cooking demonstrations.

Wedding parties before or after the ceremony often rent entire chateaux; this property’s formal gardens, fountain, and grand interiors photograph exceptionally. The on-site accommodation eliminates guest logistics entirely.

Milestone celebrations—significant birthdays, anniversaries, life transitions—find appropriate theatre in a 17th-century fortress. The concierge service can arrange balloon launches from the grounds, private musical performances, or themed dining experiences.

Practical Information

Chateau De L’Empereur accommodates 40 guests across 16 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms. Nearest airport: Paris Orly (180km, approximately 2.5 hours by car), Paris Charles de Gaulle (200km, approximately 3 hours), or Caen Carpiquet (30km, approximately 35 minutes by car). Local supermarkets operate within <1km; Bayeux offers comprehensive shopping 27km distant.

Included in the rental: Wi-Fi connectivity throughout, utilities (heating, electricity, water), pool maintenance and heating (both indoor and outdoor, seasonal for outdoor facility), daily maid service for common areas, linen provision, towels, parking on grounds, lift access, and on-site concierge service. Optional additions include chef services, butler availability, additional maid service for bedrooms, catering, and breakfast preparation.

Check-in flexibility accommodates varying travel schedules. The property manager coordinates arrival logistics and initial orientation. A dedicated point of contact remains available throughout your stay for any operational requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau De L’Empereur

How many guests does Chateau De L’Empereur sleep?

Chateau De L’Empereur sleeps 40 guests maximum across 16 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms. The bedroom configuration ranges from double rooms to quad rooms; several rooms include sofa beds or cot allowance, permitting flexible guest arrangements. The largest quad rooms sleep four comfortably; most double rooms sleep two. Room Fourteen, the mezzanine suite, accommodates five guests plus cot space.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau De L’Empereur in Villers-Bocage?

Caen Carpiquet Airport lies 30 kilometres away, approximately 35 minutes by car. Paris Orly (180km, 2.5 hours) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (200km, 3 hours) offer international connections if Caen proves unavailable. The concierge service coordinates airport transfers and ground transportation logistics for arriving guests.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau De L’Empereur?

May through September offers optimal weather for outdoor pool use and garden enjoyment; the outdoor pool operates 1 May through 30 September. June and September provide moderate temperatures (16-22°C) without July-August tourist congestion. April and October remain viable for cultural exploration despite cooler temperatures (10-16°C) and indoor pool access. December through February brings limited daylight but minimal crowds; the screening room and indoor facilities occupy guests during winter visits. School holiday periods (Easter, summer, winter breaks) see higher demand and command premium rates.

Is Chateau De L’Empereur suitable for families with children?

Yes, extensively. The indoor swimming pool (10x3m, depth 1.5m) operates year-round with heating and a current device; children (supervised) benefit from the continuous current system. The outdoor pool (May-September, 20x4m, 1.5m depth) features a motorised safety shutter. Multiple rooms accommodate cots (Rooms Nine, Ten, Twelve, and Fourteen specifically). The games room, PlayStation 4 console, and 40-seat cinema occupy children during indoor periods. Nearby D-Day beaches (Omaha Beach, 47km) offer historical context and beach activities. Local bakeries and supermarkets support family dietary requirements. The chef service allows customised meal preparation for younger guests with dietary restrictions.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau De L’Empereur?

All utilities are included: electricity, heating, water, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property. Pool maintenance and heating apply to both indoor and outdoor pools (seasonal for outdoor facility, May-September). Daily maid service covers all common areas and shared spaces. Bed linen, towels, and basic toiletries are provided. On-site concierge service assists with booking reservations, arranging local activities, and coordinating logistics. Optional services (charged separately) include chef or cook engagement, butler service, additional maid service for individual bedrooms, breakfast preparation, and full catering. Parking is complimentary on the grounds.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau De L’Empereur?

Villers-Bocage village (<1km) contains a working bakery, two operating restaurants, and two supermarkets at the periphery. Bayeux (27km, 30-minute drive) offers exceptional Michelin-starred dining including restaurants specialising in Norman cuisine, regional markets selling local produce, and comprehensive shopping. Beuvron-en-Auge (40km) features award-winning local restaurants showcasing farm-to-table cooking. The concierge service arranges restaurant reservations and can coordinate private chef services if preferred. Regional cheese, cider, and Calvados producers operate within 20km and accept group visits with advance booking.