This enchanting 17th-century countryside retreat feels as though it’s stepped straight out of a fairytale. Though Paris is just 45 minutes away by car, the estate feels wonderfully removed. It's surrounded by lavender, and rustic in the ways you’d want, yet effortlessly luxurious. Long, leisurely evenings outdoors are a given, and there’s plenty of space to claim a sunny spot and catch up on some reading. Alongside the main house, there’s a fully finished pool house and a converted greenhouse workshop, plus a flourishing vegetable garden and a serene Japanese pond woven into the landscape. All that’s missing is a crown.

Lavender and Ivy

When nothing but an actual French chateau will do, The Wishing Fountain comes to the rescue. This lavish castle has hosted a few famous faces, from noblemen hiding from the French Revolution to Aga Khan and the Dalai Lama. This home is part of a larger estate and is offered here as a single unit with nine bedrooms —if you need more, check out Cosmopolitan Castle for the full estate. Nearby sights include the Landing Beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry and Monet's Garden — but there's so much to see around here that we'd rather just let you get on with it. When you're not out and about, relax on the vast estate that surrounds the chateau. You can walk in the gardens, splash around in the pool, play ping pong, work on your tan, read in the salon, or socialise in one of the living rooms. At night, retreat to one of the regal bedrooms, all of which are furnished with antiques and ready to welcome you into their quiet embrace. 

The Wishing Fountain

When nothing but an actual French chateau will do Cosmopolitan Castle comes to the rescue. This lavish home has hosted a few famous faces, from Aga Khan and the Dalai Lama, and now you. With fourteen bedrooms that can accommodate up to twenty-eight guests, this is a perfect place to accommodate a large family gathering or a wedding party, but you can also use it as a a luxurious base to explore Normandy. Places to see theatre easily accessible from here include the Landing Beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry and Monet's Garden — but there's so much to see around here that we'd rather just let you get on with it. When you're not out and about, relax on the vast estate that surrounds the chateau. You can walk in the gardens, splash around in the pool, play ping pong, work on your tan, read in the salon, or socialise in one of the living rooms. When you need some intimacy, retreat to your bedrooms, all of whom are big, quiet, furnished with beautiful antiques. 

Cosmopolitan Castle

A converted Norman pressoir – a traditional cider press house – this villa near Deauville is the kind of find that rewards groups who want comfort and character in equal measure. Seven individually styled bedrooms, a heated pool tucked into a sheltered wooded garden, and a sauna and gym on site make it easy to settle in for days. When you do venture out, Deauville's beaches, racecourses, and the painted harbour at Honfleur are both within easy reach.

Pressoir & Pasture

This elegant manor home in Normandy will provide you with an authentic and comforting experience of the historic French region and Bayeux. Perfect for the family and big enough for a reunion with extended relatives, let the kids play in the large garden while the adults sip on local French wine. Every generation of the family will love the home’s easy access to the sights, like the local boulangerie for treats, the beaches, and all the historic monuments and sights. Not to mention that the host of the stay is superb, with endless knowledge on the surrounding areas to share and inform your stay when you choose what you’d like to venture out and see. Return home to a chef-cooked meal and discuss the brilliant happenings of your day out in Normandy.

Couleurs de la Normandie

With its spire and ornate furnishings, this home is a portal into your own fairy tale. Nestled into a picturesque garden with century-old trees and summer flowers, you and your guests will enjoy a rest in your own fantasy bubble.

The inside of this home is replete with historic charm – the walls are adorned with gorgeous mirrors and ceramics which wouldn’t be amiss in a classic French novel. Special care has been made to make the rooms feel homely – minimalism is certainly not on the menu here, and in your room you might find ornate bedposts, frilly curtains, or an ornamental fireplace. This design philosophy is extended to the bathrooms too, with their vintage-style free-standing baths.

Located near the north Norman coast, the home is just a ten-minute drive away from the famous Pays de Caux. Within walking distance from your home, you’ll also find a charming small town with its restaurants and Sunday market – here you can try local flavours, such as the region's famous cider, cheese, and meat.

Further afield you’ll find beautiful walking paths along the coast, rivers dotted with watermills, the thatched cottages of a former fishing village, and a promenade and pier.

Norman Keep

If you’re seeking a scenic spot for a group coastal getaway in Normandy, it’s time to stop scrolling. This charming home is perfect for up to fourteen people, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy some quiet time. We love the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area – just the ticket for gathering together as you rustle up some French cuisine. But the cherry on the cake? It has to be the location. A mere 150-metre stroll takes you to Deauville beach, where sun, sea and sand await. 

Spirit of Normandy

You'll find this characterful farmhouse in sweet Cancale, where fresh oysters are on the menu and Mont Saint-Michel stands proud in the middle of the bay. It's a charming little village, and you'll be well-placed to soak up its authentic Breton atmosphere. Follow the path by the house and you'll end up at Port Briac beach, while the restaurants perched along the quay in town are an excellent spot to relax with a glass of wine and breathe in the salt-tinged air. 

As undeniable as the location is, what makes this home a standout are the stunning traditional features in every room. We're smitten with the exposed stone walls and knotted wooden beams, and many cosy nooks invite you to kick back and unwind away from the group. Mealtimes are a grand affair in the dining room, with its sky-high ceilings and ornamental hearth. Tuck into a home-cooked feast made with locally-sourced seafood and produce, followed by a glass or two of Brittany's famous cider in the conservatory. During the summer, head out to the garden for sundowners and barbecues, then snuggle up for a good night's sleep in the comfortable bedrooms.

On the Half Shell

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime stay, look no further than The History Book. From the kooky interiors by leading European designers to the sheer size of the castle and grounds, everything about this home screams excess. Stooped in history, this castle has a drawing room, billiards room, games room, music room and library – and that’s just inside. Once outside, on the 6 hectares of private land, you’ll find a tennis court, swimming pool, children’s play house and several out buildings. Despite its grandeur, The History Book will feel like home thanks to the thoughtful staff and warm atmosphere.

The History Book

Oh, to live in a French chateau and feast your eyes on miles of countryside views! Fleur De Lis is a holiday fit for even the most discerning guests, starting with a lavish tree-lined driveway that will transport you straight to the seventeenth century. As you travel, you might notice a rather large pool (all yours) where you can practise your backstroke, work on your tan, or walk right past it on your morning stroll across the estate. Depending on how you feel, you can take your meals in the regal dining room, which will involve dressing up appropriately, or you can go the informal route, dining alfresco in the gardens. There are simply so many things to do in this home, from admiring the antiques, playing tennis in the courts, watching period dramas in the appropriate setting, or even going down to the nearby sandy beach. For day trips, we recommend that you head off to see Mont St Michel, which is easily accessible via the motorway, as is the Bayeux Tapestry.

Fleur De Lis

Amidst Calvados orchards and stunning rural landscapes rests this 18th-century chateau in the heart of the Normandy countryside. Dripping in elegance, the castle retains its enchanting heritage dating back to the 1700s, while modern renovations bring added comfort and practicality. 

Experience Normandy's unrivalled calmness as you wander around the chateau's 13 acres of lawns, ancient trees and rose gardens. During the springtime, watch the flowers blossom, while in summer, you can take delight in picking plums, apples and cherries from the orchard. The autumnal colours and majestic charm of the wintertime – make this spot completely ravishing all year round.

Original features inside the chateau include parquet flooring, Louis XV and XVI fireplaces and a wonderful classic French kitchen equipped with an open fire. With such preservations in addition to simply beautiful contemporary additions – this spot certainly boasts the wow factor. We particularly adore the office and library spaces, which somehow make us want to pack our laptops just to find a reason to enjoy these rooms. 

Upstairs the bedroom and bathroom suites are dressed in minimal designs and invite guests to truly switch off. The window-side built-in bathtub is like something from a fairytale and deserves to be enjoyed with a glass of champagne in hand. Or why not make that a Calvados cocktail? 

You'll be within easy reach of the Normandy cider routes from here, so soak up the slow pace of life found in the charming local villages, which are most often home to atmospheric markets boasting fine quality fresh fare. Within short driving distance, the likes of Bayeux, Caen and the D-Day Landing beaches are well worth a visit if you're keen to explore Normandy's cultural and historical sights amongst its captivating natural beauty. 

Calvados Royal

Spread across the main chateau and three neighbouring annexes this estate creates a whimsical backdrop for large celebrations and gatherings. The bedrooms range from lavish suits with sumptuous textiles to humble rooms with wooden beams and exposed stone walls. This variety suits groups with different needs and preferences. Any guest will love exploring the grounds and taking boating trips on the pond. The fifteenth-century chateau is best viewed from its beautiful swimming pool where you can gaze up and soak in the towers and turrets in all their glory. To get a taste of the nearby coastline, drive to the town of Cancale where you can devour fresh shellfish. The local village of Combourg makes an excellent trip for its medieval castle and lake.

The Fox's Coat

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Home spotlights in Normandy

Step back in time at this charming château just minutes from the dramatic Normandy coastline. Inside, it's grand but homely – think dark wood-pannelled walls, chandeliers, exposed beams, and arched windows framing picture-perfect views across the lawn. Saint-Valery-en-Caux, a pretty harbour town with bistros, shops, and markets, is only 4 kilometres away. Or head to nearby Veules-les-Roses, one of France’s most beautiful villages, with waterwheels, thatched cottages, and a pier, where you can try Veulaise oysters, a local delicacy. 

Normandy Château

Most popular chateaus in Normandy

Even though this large home sits in the middle of a golf course in rural Brittany, there's plenty to keep guests occupied even if they're not keen followers of the sport.

Take the wonderful wellness space, for example. Surrounded by large windows that look out to the peaceful grounds, there's both a heated swimming pool and a Jacuzzi to recline in once you've done a length or two. If that sounds a little too sedate, there's a huge range of games, from foosball and ping-pong to a petanque court and an arcade machine on which you'll find over 1500 video games. We're not saying you'll be praying for rainy days, but they won't be the catastrophe they might be at other addresses.

At the same time, the huge garden offers lots of space and equipment for enjoying spells of sunny weather. You can embrace a French tradition on the petanque court, bounce about on the trampoline or do nothing more strenuous than read on the terrace – perhaps with dinner cooking away on the barbecue in the background.

We should also mention that the home – once a farmhouse in a former life – is a pleasing mix of rustic and contemporary aspects, with wooden ceiling beams and a few patches of exposed stonework sitting quite happily alongside stark white walls, bold artwork and a super-sleek minimalist kitchen.

When it comes to seeing a little more of this corner of France, there's a good selection of spots that are a short drive away. The seaside towns of Saint-Malo and Dinard are a quarter of an hour away by car for instance, while both Rennes and Mont Saint Michel take around forty minutes to reach.

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We selected the best homes worth renting in this location

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EXPLORE THE MOST PERFECT HOMES IN OUR COLLECTION

Home spotlights in Normandy

Lavender and Ivy

The Wishing Fountain

Cosmopolitan Castle

Pressoir & Pasture

Couleurs de la Normandie

Norman Keep

Spirit of Normandy

On the Half Shell

The History Book

Fleur De Lis

Calvados Royal

The Fox's Coat

Most popular chateaus in Normandy

Pressoir & Pasture

Couleurs de la Normandie

Norman Keep

Spirit of Normandy

The History Book

Fleur De Lis

The Fox's Coat

Normandy Château

Chateau's with Swimming Pool in Normandy

The History Book

Fleur De Lis

The Fox's Coat

A Playful Character