Chateau Les Douves Normandy France

With style reminiscent of a miniature Versailles, this striking chateau in Normandy conjures the grandeur of the 17th and 18th centuries from the moment you approach it through the tree-lined driveway. The chateau effortlessly combines classic touches (from the stonework in the garden to the Aubusson carpets and even an original c17th backgammon set), with the modern amenities you expect, such as jetted tubs, Nespresso machine, widescreen TV (with Netflix and DVD) and the heated pool, to name just a few.
This is no dark and dreary castle – large windows on both sides of the chateau let light stream in throughout the day. Sportsmen and women can compete on the private tennis court, do some laps in the pool, fish in the moat, and bicycles are also available for anyone wanting to leave the extensive grounds. The beach at Fontenay-Sur-Mer for example is within easy biking distance.
Through the gardens, 100m away from the main chateau, is a separate cottage that’s perfect for a small family who prefers more privacy.
Here, your family chateau holiday includes the best of both worlds: peaceful French countryside, with access to historic sites. Only 15 minutes away WWII history comes to life in the town of Sainte-Mère-Église and Utah Beach, the site of the D-Day landing. Cherbourg & Caen are the nearest port and airport, but it is also convenient to drive from Paris, just 3 hours away.
Please note this property is available for groups of up to 14 guests when renting the chateau and the cottage. For smaller parties of up to 10 guests, the chateau on its own can be rented at a reduced price.
What you should know…
The cottage is charming and comfortable but is not furnished to the same standard as the chateau (see photos)
You will share the vast estate with two ponies, two swans, a cat and a dog!
There’s a moat about 20m from the house which can be used for carp fishing plus a smaller one near the pool.

Chateau (Main House)

14-Person Rate: Chateau and Cottage
8 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms

10-Person Rate: Chateau Only
6 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms

Note: Maximum capacity includes infants.

Ground Floor

• Spacious Kitchen (50 m²) equipped with two electrical ovens, 3 electric halogen hot plates, electric plancha, full-height refrigerator with freezer compartment, dishwasher, ample cooking equipment. Features sufficient crockery, silverware, and glassware for rental capacity. Kitchen table seats up to 10 with a bar counter for up to 5.
• Pantry with sink, kitchen table, Nespresso machine.
• Boiler Room
• Mud Room with hangers and bench.
• Large TV/Playroom (65 m²) with satellite TV, DVD player, Hi-Fi, bookshelves, Wi-Fi, two Chesterfield sofas, armchairs, games table (DVDs & English books available).

First Floor

• Grand Louis XIII Dining Room (50m²) with a maximum capacity of 14/18, equipped with kitchenware to cater for maximum capacity.
• Small Dining/Breakfast Room for up to 8, equipped with dishwasher, 2 hot plates, sink, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffee and Nespresso machine, and crockery.
• Spacious Regency Bedroom (30 m²) with a double bed (140×190), shower, toilet, and a small hand basin.
• Cloakroom with phone, Wi-Fi printer, umbrellas, and cupboard with regional guides.
• Large Guest WC with double sinks, cupboard with numerous vases.
• Blue Louis XV Drawing Room (50 m²) with meridienne, armchairs, game table, and Piano forte (not tuned!), perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
• Louis XIII Library/Drawing Room (45 m²) with sofa, armchairs, desk, tapestry, bar, Hi-Fi.

Second Floor

• Spacious Double En-suite Bedroom (30 m²) with a double bed (140×200), bathroom with double sinks, separate shower, Jacuzzi bathtub, and WC.
• Two Single Bedrooms: each with a 100x190cm bed, one with a shower and hand basin, the other with a bidet and hand basin.
• Laundry Room with washing machine, dryer, ironing table.
• Large Double En-suite Bedroom (35m²) with a 140×200 electrical bed, bathroom with bathtub, separate shower, WC, and en-suite dressing room, mini TV (local channels only).
• Twin Bedroom (25 m²) with two single beds 90×200 which may be joined on request.
• Child Bedroom/Den with a small bed 80×150 (not counted in sleeping capacity). Connected with the twin bedrooms, suitable for small children.
• Hall Bathroom accessible from the corridor, with sink & bathtub.
• Separate WC.

Cottage (100m from Chateau)

Ground Floor

• Kitchen/Dining Room fully equipped with an oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, hot plates.
• Living Room.

First Floor

• Bedroom with double bed (140cm x 200cm, can be split into 2 single beds).
• Bedroom with twin beds (90cm x 190cm).
• Bathroom with bathtub and WC.

Outside Grounds

• Heated Swimming Pool (27-29 degrees) with key-operated cover.
• Private Tennis Court.
• Moat for carp fishing (2m deep) and one near the pool.
• Mountain Bikes (basic style).
• Vegetable Garden with swings.
• Table Tennis Games Room.
• Croquet.
• Gas Barbecue (on request).
• Tennis Racquets.
• Basic Fishing Rod (carp available in the lake).
• Various Animals – two ponies, a dog, cat, and two swans.

Chateau Les Douves lies in the heart of the wild and beautiful Cotentin Peninsula area in Normandy, in Fontenay-sur-Mer, 300km west of Paris. The closest train station is Valognes (12 km).
You can discover and enjoy the local area by walking or biking through the beautiful and peaceful countryside. There are many bikes available at the chateau (free of charge) so we recommend exploring the local area this way as the roads are so quiet.
During your stay you should visit the historic town of Valognes, particularly the Hotel de Beaumont and the famous Cider Museum. Here you will find everything you need during your stay (supermarket, shops, restaurants etc) and it is only ten minutes drive away from the chateau.
The chateau is 3 miles from the beach and an 18 hole golf course created 30 years ago by the father of the current owner of the chateau!
There are also several riding clubs around where lessons or private hire can be organised.
Distances
– 5 mins to sandy beaches
– 15 mins to the D-DAY BEACHES (Utah Beach)
– 15 min to world renowned village Sainte-Mere-Eglise
– 1.5 hours to the Mont St Michel
– 45 mins to The Bayeux Tapestry.
– 2 hours to Honfleur.
– 2 hours to Gardens at Giverny (Monet).
– 2 hours to Rouen.
– 3 hours to Paris by car or train.