Château de la Fresnaye

The Château de la Fresnaye is a castle in Falaise with a main facade that blends architectural details from the 17th and 18th centuries, including distinctive roof work and protected interior rooms. The building spreads across several rooms that show careful design and the craftsmanship of those centuries.

Nicolas Vauquelin bought the estate in 1640 and began expanding it from a single residence into a larger complex with multiple buildings over the following decades. This transformation shaped the structure that visitors see today.

The rooms inside feature Louis XV-style decoration with a library, dining room, and bedroom that show how wealthy families lived and arranged their homes. Walking through these spaces gives a sense of daily life and the tastes of those who called it home.

The castle sits on Rue Clémenceau in Falaise and is easy to locate as a protected monument in the town center. Visitors should check ahead about access and visiting options, as protected buildings sometimes have restrictions on when and how they can be toured.

The property underwent eastern expansion in the 20th century while keeping original elements safe, though only one of the three original 17th-century buildings still stands. This history of change shows how monuments evolve and which parts best preserve the past.