BOUTEMONT CASTLE AND GARDENS

Another of Calvados’ secret castles, built at the time of the Norman conquest of England in the ^11th century. Boutemont belonged to the barony of Fauguernon, one of the great fiefs of the Duchy of Normandy. The motte built between the ^10th and ^12th centuries, which can still be seen today, bears witness to this; it was a stronghold that commanded the entire Touques valley, and controlled the road from Lisieux to Pont-l’Evêque. But the observation post of the time did not lend itself to the conveniences of a lord and his family, so a first seigneurial dwelling was built, followed by the present château, between the ^16th and ^17th centuries. The château is therefore, in reality, an extension of the first seigniorial dwelling of the lords of Boutemont.

Today, the owners, who are passionate about art and heritage, wish to write a new chapter in the history of Boutemont. Areas open to the public include the postern, the Gothic salon and the chapel. One-day visitors can also marvel at the sumptuous nine-hectare park and manicured gardens, designed at the beginning of the ^20th century by the famous Achille Duchêne. Spectacle guaranteed! There’s a love garden, a white garden, a water mirror, a pixie hut with a children’s trail... Amidst the flowers, L’Orangerie is the perfect place to take a pancake break in the greenhouse when it’s raining, or on the magnificent terrace in fine weather (one of the largest in Calvados!). Picnics are allowed, and the pink bench at the far end of the park makes a particularly Instagrammable backdrop!

In Ouilly-le-Vicomte, the Château de Boutemont is a listed historic monument, and its magnificently flower-filled garden has been awarded the "Jardin remarquable" label. A real favourite, with plenty of surprises in store!