Chateau Alphonse | 6-Bedroom Chateau in Avesnes en Bray Montroty

Avesnes en Bray sits at the heart of Normandy’s most enchanting forest country, and Chateau Alphonse—a substantial 19th-century residence spanning an 18-hectare private estate—offers the kind of space where twelve guests genuinely spread out without feeling crowded. This is not a boutique property; it’s a full château with five bathrooms, a gymnasium, a library-cinema hybrid, and grounds that include a working orchard of over 300 fruit and pear trees.

Inside Chateau Alphonse

Chateau Alphonse sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms arranged across multiple levels. The main residence unfolds through a formal entrance hall, large living room with period proportions, and a substantial dining room suitable for group meals. A well-equipped kitchen serves the household, while a dedicated library and television room provide indoor retreat space separate from the primary living areas.

The bedroom accommodation divides logically: two guest rooms feature queen-size double beds with en suite bathrooms; one bedroom offers a king-size double with en suite shower facilities; a particularly spacious under-eaves bedroom also contains a king-size bed with en suite bathroom and unusual brightness from roof-level windows. The family suite comprises three interconnected rooms—a master bedroom with king-size bed, a second bedroom with twin beds, plus one bathroom featuring both shower and separate WC, ideal for multigenerational groups or families requiring privacy but proximity.

Four independent gîtes (small annexes positioned approximately 50 metres from the main château and available by special request with supplementary fees) provide overflow accommodation: three units contain a double bed plus sofa bed convertible to doubles; the fourth features a double bed and two wingback chairs that transform into single beds. This modular system allows groups of 16–20 to stay across the entire property when needed.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The west-facing terrace commands views across sloping lawns and functions as the social hub—al fresco tables and chairs remain permanently arranged, a substantial barbecue stands ready for evening entertaining, and guests naturally gravitate to the stonework and wrought-iron seating scattered throughout the formal gardens. The property’s visual identity centres on mature plantings: rose beds in various stages of cultivation, specimen trees providing canopy shade, decorative stone sculptures marking focal points. Children occupy the dedicated play area featuring swings and a slide, while adults slip away to the woodland paths threading through the parkland or claim a stone bench beneath apple boughs.

The scale of grounds means even in July with twelve people present, solitude remains achievable. The orchard—350+ trees by some counts—produces eating fruit seasonally, and the woodland sections invite kilometre-long walks without leaving the property boundary. Bicycles stand ready in a storage shed, pre-loaded onto the terrace for guests planning rides toward the Avenue Verte cycling route (the famous Paris-to-London greenway passes through the neighbouring town, just 5 kilometres away).

Location: Avesnes en Bray and the Surrounding Area

The Seine-Maritime department of Normandy contains some of France’s most overlooked countryside—rolling terrain, beech forest, river valleys, and small historic towns where tourists represent a rarity rather than the norm. Chateau Alphonse sits approximately 2 kilometres from Avesnes en Bray proper, a working town of modest size with a Tuesday and Friday morning market stocking produce, cheese, and regional specialities. A 5-minute drive reaches the town centre, where restaurants serve Normandy staples (duck confit, cider-braised meats, apple desserts), small grocers operate year-round, and the weekly market offers direct access to local cider producers and fromagers.

The Forêt de Lyons—Normandy’s largest woodland reserve at approximately 11,000 acres—lies within 30 minutes’ drive. This ancient beech forest supports extensive walking and cycling networks, plus the picturesque village of Lyons-la-Forêt, officially classified as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages (most beautiful villages). The village contains an 18th-century covered market, several family-run restaurants, and the kind of half-timbered architecture that makes French village tourism comprehensible.

Gerberoy—another Plus Beaux Villages designation, 15 kilometres southeast in Picardy—draws art pilgrims to the former home of 19th-century painter Henri Le Sidaner. The village hosts an annual Fête des Roses each early June, transforming cobbled lanes into a floral exhibition. Claude Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny, approximately one hour away, remain open spring to autumn and merit a full day’s expedition; the Musée Vernon (nearby) contextualises Monet’s work within the broader Impressionist movement.

Historic towns provide cultural anchoring: Rouen (50 kilometres southwest) contains medieval streetscapes, half-timbered architecture along Rue de Vienne, and excellent restaurants specialising in Normandy gastronomy; Gisors (approximately 25 kilometres) features an 11th-century castle with sweeping Seine valley views and a twice-weekly morning market; the coastal town of Dieppe (75 kilometres) offers maritime charm, a working fishing port, and pebble beaches. For those seeking dramatic coastline, the white cliffs of Étretat lie 135 kilometres north, while Veules-les-Roses (90 kilometres), one of France’s smallest seaside towns, provides a quieter beach alternative.

Paris remains within reach—Beauvais airport sits 33 kilometres away (approximately 45 minutes by car), with regular budget airline connections; alternatively, the rail journey from central Paris to Beauvais takes 80 minutes. Exploring our villas in Seine-Maritime reveals other Normandy options, while our Normandy travel guide provides comprehensive destination planning. For broader French selections, browse our luxury villas across Europe.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families—three generations, cousins with young children, grandparents seeking separate quarters—find the bedroom mixture and gîte overflow ideal for maintaining privacy while staying connected. Groups celebrating milestones (anniversaries, birthday weekends, reunions) appreciate the scale, the formal dining capacity, and the ability to host events without hotel transfers.

Couples seeking quiet retreat benefit from the woodland solitude and proximity to romantic villages like Gerberoy and Lyons-la-Forêt. Active guests drawn to cycling find the Avenue Verte directly accessible and the broader Normandy forest network compelling. Art enthusiasts heading to Giverny often base themselves here for several nights, using the château as a quieter alternative to riverside hotels in Vernon.

Business groups requiring a country retreat with workspace (Wi-Fi, television facilities) choose Chateau Alphonse for off-site meetings or team-building weekends. The property supports small weddings or ceremonial gatherings given the terrace scale and accommodation breadth.

Practical Information

Chateau Alphonse accommodates 12 guests as standard across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms within the main residence. Four optional gîtes increase capacity to approximately 20 guests (available by advance request, subject to supplementary fees). The nearest significant airport is Beauvais Tillé (33 kilometres; approximately 40–50 minutes by car), which handles European budget carriers. Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris (approximately 100 kilometres; 90–120 minutes drive) offers wider international connectivity.

The nearest supermarket lies in Avesnes en Bray (5-minute drive), though the Tuesday and Friday market provides fresher produce. A caretaker or owner typically remains on the property, providing assistance without intrusion. Wi-Fi covers the interior; heating systems function year-round. The gymnasium contains basic fitness equipment; a home cinema setup (television, DVD player) supports indoor entertainment. Billiards and table-tennis tables occupy the recreation spaces. Pre-stocked fridge options exist (by advance arrangement). Maid service can be arranged. Bicycles stand ready. Pets are permitted by request.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Alphonse

How many guests does Chateau Alphonse sleep?

The main château accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms: two rooms with queen-size doubles, one with king-size double, one under-eaves king-size bedroom, and a three-room family suite (king bedroom, twin bedroom, shared bathroom). Four additional gîtes—each containing convertible sofa-bed arrangements—can accommodate up to 8 extra guests by advance request for supplementary fees, bringing total capacity to approximately 20 people across the entire estate.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Alphonse in Avesnes en Bray?

Beauvais Tillé Airport (approximately 33 kilometres away, 40–50 minutes by road transfer) handles European budget airlines including Ryanair and Wizz Air. Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris, 100 kilometres south, offers fuller international schedules but requires 90–120 minutes’ transfer time. Le Havre Airport (85 kilometres north) serves some European routes and provides a maritime gateway.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau Alphonse?

May through September offers reliable weather for enjoying the terrace, woodland walks, and visiting Monet’s gardens (open spring through autumn only). June brings the Fête des Roses in Gerberoy—an exceptional floral event if village tourism appeals. July and August experience peak visitor numbers at major attractions like Giverny, though the Chateau’s rural location remains quiet. October’s autumnal forest colours attract serious walkers; spring (April–May) displays woodland wildflowers. Winter (November–February) brings atmospheric grey skies and reduced visitor crowds, though the climate turns cool and coastal activities diminish.

Is Chateau Alphonse suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property features a dedicated children’s play area with swings and slide, bicycles for older children, and woodland exploration opportunities. The extensive grounds allow children to roam safely without road proximity. Family-friendly attractions nearby include Lyons-la-Forêt’s covered market and village exploring, canoeing at Saint-Clair-sur-Epte (approximately 20 kilometres), and easier walks through the Forêt de Lyons. The ground-floor family suite with three interconnected rooms suits families keeping young children adjacent to parental bedrooms. Beaches at Dieppe (75 kilometres) provide summer alternatives. Separate gîte accommodation allows parents to maintain separate children’s sleeping quarters if needed.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Alphonse?

The rental includes Wi-Fi connectivity, central heating, television and DVD player access, gymnasium equipment, billiards and table-tennis tables, garden furniture on the terrace, barbecue facilities, and provided bicycles. Utilities (water, electricity, heating) are included. Linen and towels are supplied. A maid service can be arranged (additional cost). Pre-stocked fridge options are available by advance request. The property manager/caretaker provides on-site support.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Alphonse?

Avesnes en Bray town centre (5-minute drive) contains several restaurants serving Normandy cuisine, a supermarket, bakery, and butcher. The twice-weekly market (Tuesday and Friday mornings) stocks produce, cheese, cider, and regional goods from local producers. Lyons-la-Forêt (approximately 20 kilometres) offers multiple restaurants and cafés around its village square. Gisors (25 kilometres) contains market dining and half-timbered-building restaurants along Rue de Vienne. For fine dining or more extensive choice, Rouen (50 kilometres) contains numerous establishments specialising in duck confit, cider-based sauces, and Normandy cheeses.