Ferme de la Rançonnière, Historical farm in Crépon, France

Ferme de la Rançonnière is a farm in Crépon with solid stone walls, a round tower, and a large courtyard surrounded by agricultural buildings from different periods. The structures show a mix of medieval and later construction phases that reflect the property's long development over centuries.

The manor was built in the late 14th century on the Biéville fief of Crépon, held in 1463 by Anne de Chastel. In the early 17th century the Chastel family demolished all buildings except the tower and rebuilt in the taste of the day. In 1710 Marie Françoise de la Loë, daughter of the lord of Biéville, married Jean Antoine de Costard, sieur de la Rançonnière, and the manor took that name. It was requisitioned by the German army in World War II and liberated in June 1944.

The round tower holds a painted dovecote with several hundred pigeonholes and the coat of arms of the Chastel family, lords of the Biéville fief from at least 1463. The tower is opened to the public during the European Heritage Days. Inside, visitors can still see the monumental stone chimney and its Romanesque archways.

The farm is accessible to visitors mainly during European Heritage Days, when you can explore the medieval buildings and the grounds. Plan your visit according to when these special days occur to ensure the site is open.

An underground tunnel connects the farm to Cruelly castle and was built to transport livestock and supplies during times of conflict. This hidden passage reveals the strategic link between the two properties during turbulent periods.