Chateau De La Chaine

About this property

This grand château in Normandy is a classified French Monument historique with origins dating back to the 1400s. Set in historic grounds with a heated swimming pool, this is a fine holiday abode for discerning guests wishing to experience the charm of a beautifully restored French château so close to the rolling landscapes of the Val d’Orne.

Château de la Chaine started its life as a manoir in the early 15th century before being extended to almost double its size across the 1700s and 1800s, still maintaining its original character. The house has undergone a remarkable restoration in more recent years – plumbing, heating and electricity has been fully updated, en suite bathrooms have been added to many of the bedrooms and a new heated swimming pool can be found within the grounds.

Despite the modern additions, there’s an enchanting historic ambience across the château. Rooms have been stylishly furnished with high-end European antiques and the chandelier in the formal dining room is still lit by candle-light. The elegant salon features an impressive fireplace and a secret stairway can be reached via the living room wall, just like in times gone by. The contemporary kitchen has traditional double doors opening out to the characterful light-filled breakfast room.

Across the two upper floors discover the perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm (there is yet another secret stairway in the upstairs hallway). The château can sleep 16 guests across a range of pretty bedrooms, seven with en suite bathrooms, and up to five additional children using bunk-beds. Beds are new and linen is modern, contrasting attractive traditional features. There is also the option to book a lower 8-person rate by staying in the four main first-floor bedrooms only.

On the very top floor guests can benefit from the fitness room with a range of equipment, weights, yoga mats and a sauna. Outside, spend warm summer days by the heated swimming pool and garden with verdant trees and so much space to play.

The estate has its own orangery, ancient walled potager, a boat house by the lake with a boat that can be used on the pond and a chapel where six of the past owners are buried. Take time to learn tales from the château’s past - this region played an important role in World War II and the Germans occupied the château by 1944 when the Battle of Fromentel, a major Allied offensive, took place. Still to this day you can see bullet and shrapnel holes at the château.

The little village of Putanges-le-Lac is less than 6km away, sitting peacefully by the River Orne in the southern part of ‘Suisse Normande’, a region so loved for its meandering river, gorges, valleys and green landscapes, the most elevated area in Normandy. In July and August there’s swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boat hire and other water-based activities at Lac de Rabodanges, part of the Orne River. The Orne Valley is also a paradise for walkers, hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse-riding enthusiasts.

Elsewhere, potter around the Friday morning market in Écouché-les-Vallées, head to the fortified town of Argentan and visit the market town of Falaise where William the Conqueror was born, home to the famous Château de Falaise.

Further afield, visit Bayeux and the D-Day Landing beaches, soak up the Belle Époque ambience of Deauville and the Côte Fleurie, be inspired by Monet’s garden at Giverny and visit the remarkable Mont Saint-Michel. You could even spend the day in Paris, just over two hours by train, or stay closer to home to soak up the rich history and natural beauty of this part of northern France.

This elegant château in Normandy is a classified monument historique dating back to the early 15th century. Located in the Val d’Orne, the château is around three hours by car from Paris and only 23km from the market town of Falaise where William the Conqueror was born.

Surrounding the château’s grounds are rural landscapes and farmland (and a neighbouring farm). Join the nearby main road which leads to a tiny village (around 1km away, no facilities) then north to Putanges-le-Lac (6km), a delightful village by the banks of the Orne with a bakery, supermarket and restaurant. This is the Suisse Normande region of northern France, so loved for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Just outside the Putanges-le-Lac, discover the diverse flora, fauna and protected species of the Lac de Rabodanges (11km). On most summer afternoons in July and August there is an area for supervised swimming as well as canoeing/kayaking, electric boat hire and other water-based activities. Book a place on the restaurant-boat that sails along the Orne from the village and admire the idyllic riverside scenery.

In the other direction from the château is Écouché-les-Vallées (11km), an attractive Normandy village with a bakery, tabac-bar, a couple of places to eat and other village amenities. On a Friday morning a charming little market takes over the pretty main square in the village.

The Suisse Normande is wonderful for keen walkers who can explore the Gorges de St-Aubert, part of the GR36 hiking trail, as well as marked walking routes and discovery trails. Around half an hour to the north is La Roche d'Oëtre hiking area with spectacular scenery of the river. There are also ample opportunities for cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding across the incredible natural landscapes of the Val d’Orne as well as rock-climbing near Clécy (45km). With the river, valleys, gorges and hills, this area is the most elevated in Normandy.

Elsewhere, spend time in the fortified town of Argentan (20km) famed for its rich heritage and lacework industry, then be amazed by the history of Falaise (23km), the birthplace of William the Conqueror and home to the famous Château de Falaise.

When exploring further afield in Normandy, the vast beaches of the Côte Fleurie are just over an hour by car with historic seaside towns such as Cabourg (83km) and Deauville (86km), both fantastic days out. The historic harbour of Honfleur (110km) is also worthy of your time or venture towards Bayeux (88km) and visit some of the D-Day Landing beaches around Arromanches-les-Bains (95km) and Omaha (110km).

Monet’s garden at Giverny (172km) is just over two hours away, the handsome city of Le Mans (116km), famed for its annual vintage car race, is even closer or head west to Mont Saint-Michel (108km) to visit one of France’s most incredible sights.

Finally, if you wish to spend time in Paris (216km) then consider taking the train from Briouze or Argentan to Paris-Montparnasse taking just over two hours.

Accommodation

1) Château - four first-floor bedrooms only (8-person rate)
2) Château - eight bedrooms across first and second floor (16-person rate)

Château Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Large entrance hallway
-    Living room (100m2) with large fireplace and secret entrance via wall to back staircase
-    Formal dining room with candle-lit chandelier
-    Modern kitchen
-    Breakfast room
-    WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom with king-size double bed, dressing room and en suite bathroom with shower
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower
-    Bedroom with two single beds and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
-    Small children’s bedroom with bunk-bed

Second Floor

-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath
-    Small bedroom (connects to above double) with two single beds
-    Bedroom with double bed, triple bunk-bed and en suite bathroom with bath
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath
-    Fitness room with two mirrored walls, rubber floor, treadmill, exercise bike, bench, weights, yoga mats and sauna. Adjoining shower and WC

Basement

-    Washing-machine/dryer and ironing board
-    Storage

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (18x4m, depth: 1.8m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to September
-    Barbecue
-    Orangerie
-    Walled potager
-    Lake and boat house
-    Chapel
-    Gardens and large grounds
-    Outbuildings
-    Parking (shared)