Between the historic towns of Dieppe and Fecamp.
Between the historic towns of Dieppe and Fecamp, Chateau Trois Tours sits grandly in a beautiful estate only a few minutes from the glorious beaches of the Alabaster coastline in this magnificent part of Normandy.
The castle dates back to the early 17th century and is typical of the Louis XIII architecture of this time; it's no wonder the chateau is listed with the French National Trust. The distinctive three towers were added 200 years later, adding to the romantic ambience across the impressive estate.
Inside the majestic castle, grand rooms offer ample space in the traditional salon, beautiful library and home cinema room whilst a wood-panelled dining room and superb contemporary kitchen with its historic feature fireplace mean cooking, or being cooked for, is a real joy. Over the top two floors, there are nine traditionally styled bedrooms with sumptuous fabrics and homely furnishings, perfect for large families of any age. The renovation has been overseen by its refined owner, a former artistic director of Dior jewellery who has taken great care to combine antique style with modern design.
The glorious 40-acre estate is filled with flowering rhododendrons and century old trees, including many rare species. Walk through the rose-covered archway to be greeted by the sight of two swimming pools, one ideal for family fun, the other designed for 25m long laps. Spend lazy days playing badminton, riding the chateau's bikes or swinging by the tall trees. Sport-loving guests also benefit from tennis membership at a club nearby, as well as an 18-hole golf course and horse-riding within a short drive.
It takes just minutes to reach the local village with its beach and sailing club or drive a little further to Saint-Valery-en-Caux with its picturesque port, beachfront restaurants and wonderful views of the region's famous white cliffs. One of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages', Veules les Roses, is only 12km where you can explore idyllic thatched cottages, wander along the delightful river with its watermills or relax by the beach promenade, maybe even sampling the famous ‘Veulaise' oysters.
Indeed, this is a region of freshly caught fish, local cheeses, calvados and even watercress from the banks of the Veules river which you can discover at wonderful markets across local towns. Normandy is also waiting to be explored from Rouen and Le Havre to the well-known seaside resorts of Honfleur and Deauville.
That said, you may just wish to spend your time closer to home walking along the stunning Pays de Caux coastline of Alabaster white cliffs, vast beaches and spectacular valleys in this wondrous part of the Seine-Maritime.
Although the chateau features nine bedrooms, only seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and 3 WCs will be made available for a maximum of 14 guests.
The short-stay rate (2-6 nights) is applicable for a maximum of 12 guests (six bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 3 WCs.
Chateau Interiors
Ground Floor
First Floor
Two bedrooms with queen-size bed and en-suite shower room
Two bedrooms with twin beds
Bathroom with bath
Second Floor
Bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room (no WC)
WC
Bedroom with single bed
Bedroom with queen-size bed, nursery and en-suite shower room (no WC)
Bathroom with bath
WC
Laundry room with washing machine, dryer and ironing table
Outside Grounds
Heated salt-water swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1.1-2.3m). Open approximately mid-May to mid-September. Safety cover and safety gate
Second heated salt-water swimming pool for laps (25x2m, depth: 1.5m, no diving permitted). Open approximately mid-May to mid-September. Safety cover and safety gate
Barbecue
4-5 simple bikes
Swing
Croquet
Badminton
Petanque
Gardens (40 acres)
Various outbuildings
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Heating
Satellite TV
DVD player
Home cinema
CD player
French board games
Table tennis
4-5 simple bikes
Croquet
Badminton
Petanque
Washing machine and dryer
Ironing facilities
There is also a 6-person cottage (3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms) in a different part of the estate, separated by a high wall. This is rented out separately - please enquire for prices.
Only 4km from the Pays de Caux coast, in the Seine-Maritime department of northern France, Chateau Trois Tours commands a privileged location for exploring Normandy and beyond.
You can reach the sea in just over five minutes by car where you will find the beach, a sailing school which offers a variety of summer watersports, a lovely promenade for leisurely walks, a couple of cafe-bars and restaurants and even a casino. You'll find further facilities around a ten-minute drive away in the town of Saint-Valery-en-Caux with its boulangeries and shops or head inland to Cany-Barville (8km) with its delightful Monday morning market.
For activity lovers, there is a golf course and tennis courts only a five-minute drive away and you can find horse-riding just a little further. For the most adventurous, there is even a flying school just minutes away.
This part of the Normandy coastline is known for its Alabaster white cliffs and stunning coastline. Only 12km away, Veules les Roses is one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages', a former fishing village which is now popular with artists and is much loved due to its pretty thatched cottages, the watermills of the Veules river and the incredible beach with a promenade, pier and beach huts. Make sure you try some of the famous salt and freshwater oysters (Veulaise), especially at the weekend when they are sold by the coastline.
Another incredibly pretty coastal village is Varengeville-sur-Mer (32km) with its picturesque houses and wonderful scenery. Visit its exquisite gardens including the beautiful Bois des Moutiers or walk by the breathtaking Valleuse de Vasterival, a valley between the high cliffs that leads to the sea.
The famous white cliffs of Etretat are just under an hour away, via the historic town of Fecamp (30km), or continue on to Le Havre (75km), now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to Auguste Perret's post-war architecture. In the other direction, Dieppe (40km) has great maritime traditions; make sure you try the fish stew or local scallops that the town is so famous for. The marina is a particularly pleasant place to soak up the vibrant ambience.
A little further, the well-known seaside towns of Honfleur (73km) and
Deauville (98km) are over an hour away or visit the historic and beautiful city of Rouen (66km) on the River Seine.
Continuing south-east of Rouen, the mesmerising gardens of Monet's Giverny (140km) can be reached in around two hours, loved by tourists from across the world.