Château de Bénouville, Neoclassical castle in Bénouville, France
Château de Bénouville is a neoclassical castle featuring straight lines, balanced proportions, and a grand staircase designed by architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux in 1769. The building displays the geometric order and rational design that defines this architectural style.
The building was designed by renowned architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux in 1769 and represented cutting-edge design thinking of its time. Later, from 1927 to 1985, it operated as a maternity hospital and held strategic importance during World War II.
The interior holds ornate decorations and architectural details that reflect the aesthetic tastes of 18th-century France. These elements tell a story about how people of that era understood beauty and refinement.
The castle sits near the Canal de Caen and Pegasus Bridge, with guided tours available that cover both the architecture and wartime significance. Visitors should allow time to explore details of both the interior rooms and exterior facades.
During World War II, the castle served as a communication hub where resistance fighters led by nurse Léa Vion relayed vital information to the Allies. This covert role made it strategically significant in the months before the invasion.
Location: Bénouville
Architects: Claude Nicolas Ledoux
Address: Le Château, 14970 Bénouville, France
Phone: +33231955323
Website: http://cg14.fr/chateau_benouville
GPS coordinates: 49.23611,-0.28111
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Caen shows everywhere the marks of its past. The castle built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century still rises above the city, while the Abbey of Men and the Abbey of Women reflect the power of the Dukes of Normandy. Saint Pierre Church reaches its Gothic tower to 73 meters, and in the streets of Vaugueux, the wooden houses point toward medieval life. The Caen Memorial documents World War II and the landing of 1944, events that changed the city. The charm of Caen is also in its green spaces. The Garden of Plants, created in 1848, brings together thousands of plants in its greenhouses and its arboretum. The Hill of the Birds Park covers 17 hectares with themed gardens and terraces that offer views of the city roofs. From the Fine Arts Museum located inside the castle walls to the Leroy Tower on the edge of the Orne, each place tells of a different time. Exploring Caen is crossing centuries of buildings and history that shaped Normandy.
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