Château de Crèvecœur-en-Auge, Medieval castle in Crèvecœur-en-Auge, France
Château de Crèvecœur-en-Auge is a castle in Normandy set on a water-surrounded mound with defensive walls and a square keep. The complex includes multiple residential buildings and a dovecote with nesting boxes for hundreds of birds, which was a common feature of large medieval estates.
Construction started in the 12th century and continued through the 15th century, showing how building techniques and styles evolved over generations. The site served as a strategic stronghold and also held prisoners, including a bishop who died in captivity during the period of religious conflict.
The castle's name refers to a nearby stream and reflects the region's deep connection to water and rural life. It was shaped over centuries as a residence for prominent families who left their mark on the local landscape and way of living.
The site is open to visitors during the warmer months and offers guided visits along with activities for families. Plan enough time to explore the buildings and surrounding grounds, particularly if you want to see all the structures and gardens at a leisurely pace.
The castle's entrance gatehouse originally came from a different property, Manoir de Beuvillers in Lisieux, and was moved to this location. This relocation of a substantial building is a rare event and shows the lengths owners went to preserve architectural elements they valued.
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