Chateau Alphonse

About this property

This classic French château exudes both charm and comfort, set within an 18-hectare estate and close to pretty villages, historic market towns and the forested landscapes of this part of Normandy. Just off the much-loved Avenue Verte trail, this region is a paradise for cyclists and walkers or spend your time visiting Rouen, Dieppe and even the wonderful city of Paris!

With its elegant façade, 19th century Château Alphonse is an inviting holiday home with so much historic character across its entrance, grand salon and dining room. Built as a wedding present to the original owner’s wife, it’s been beautifully restored in more recent years and features six lovely bedrooms for up to 12 guests. Each bedroom is decorated in its own delightful style alongside comfortable beds and five well-appointed bath or shower rooms, four of which are en suite. The top-floor bedroom under the eaves is especially bright and spacious whilst there is a charming family suite with a king-size double, separate twin and shower room.

There are plenty of modern touches such as the gym, TV room and various games or simply spend hours in the glorious grounds with its roses, lawns and trees. Sip coffee or calvados on the handsome château terrace, prepare meals on the barbecue, watch children have fun in the play area or simply find a peaceful spot on a stone bench or wrought iron chair. There’s over 300 apple and pear trees in the fruit orchard, walking trails through the estate’s woodland and views of Normandy countryside.

Pick up delicious local produce at the twice-weekly market in the nearby historic town, only a 5-minute drive away, then pack a picnic and head off to explore some of the superb surroundings of this region. Normandy’s largest forest is a short drive away, ideal for long walks and other outdoor adventures with its towering beech trees. Be sure to stop off in the picture-perfect village of Lyons-la-Forêt, one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Rose-filled Gerberoy is another idyllic gem nearby, once home to 19th century artist Henri Le Sidaner, whilst Monet’s famous Giverny is under an hour by car with its picturesque setting near the Seine river. Then there’s the maritime town of Dieppe, the iconic white cliffs of the Pays de Caux coastline, historic Gisors and atmospheric Rouen. Indeed, there is so much to admire across the Seine-Maritime and beyond before returning to the tranquillity of your romantic Normandy château.

In the Seine-Maritime department of Normandy, around 50km east of Rouen and under 2hrs from Paris, Château Alphonse is ideally located for historic market towns and picturesque villages set across beautiful landscapes of forests, orchards and rivers, not far from Monet’s famous Giverny.

Around 2km from the nearest village, the château is set just off a country road leading to a delightful small Normandy town which can be reached in a 5-minute drive. As well as restaurants, shops and other useful amenities, there is a market on a Tuesday and Friday morning and other festivities or events throughout the year.

Within a 20-minute drive you can be in the heart of the Forêt de Lyons, Normandy’s largest forest with close to 11,000 acres of towering beech trees and woodland, ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventures. The idyllic village of Lyons-la-Forêt, one of France’s classified Plus Beaux Villages, is a must-see with its charming houses, pretty cafes and restaurants as well as the village’s 18th century covered market.

Romantic Gerberoy (15km) is yet another one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, set in the Picardy region of France. Explore its cobbled lanes, admire half-timbered houses with trailing roses and visit the garden of the 19th century artist, Henri Le Sidaner, who fell in love with this enchanting village. The annual Fête des Roses usually takes place on a Sunday in early June.

Claude Monet’s house in Giverny, just under an hour away, can also be visited for the day from spring to autumn, set near the Seine and close to the village of Vernon. Claude Monet lived in Giverny for over forty years until his death in 1926 and the stunning gardens are featured in so much of his work – no wonder it’s one of France’s most popular attractions. Learn more about Monet and the impressionist movement at the small but interesting Musée Vernon.

Closer to home, you can discover the Avenue Verte, part of the Paris to London green-way cycling route and also popular with horse-riders and walkers. It passes through the local town and onwards to Beauvais and Paris or head north towards the former spa town of Forges-les-Eaux, nowadays known for its Grand Casino. 

On the banks of the Epte, Gisors is another fascinating historic town with superb views from its 11th century castle. Visit the half-timbered houses of Rue de Vienne and look out for the atmospheric twice-weekly morning market. Just to the south, there are some great canoeing opportunities in Saint-Clair-sur-Epte.

Learn all about medieval Rouen’s history in this characterful town, only 50km away, also home to some excellent restaurants showcasing the best of Normandy cuisine. Alternatively, head to the Normandy seaside with its iconic white cliffs and amazing coastal gems such as Dieppe (75km), Veules-les-Roses (90km), and Étretat (135km).

Not forgetting Paris for a truly memorable experience – either take the car to Beauvais (33km) and catch the train to Gare du Nord, taking 80 minutes, or drive into the city for a day out exploring its grand monuments, world-famous museums and wonderful arrondissements.

Accommodation

Château Interiors (various levels, via steps)

-    Entrance
-    Living room
-    Dining room
-    Library/TV room
-    Kitchen, well-equipped
-    2 x bedrooms with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite shower room 
-    Bedroom (under eaves) with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
-    2-bedroom family suite with one bedroom with king-size bed, one bedroom with twin beds and one bathroom with shower and separate WC

Outside Grounds (18-hectare estate)

-    West-facing terrace with al-fresco dining tables and chairs
-    Barbecue
-    Garden with benches, tables, sculptures
-    Children’s play area
-    Orchard with 300+ fruit trees
-    Parkland with woodland and paths
-    Bikes

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    TV (French channels) and DVD player
-    Home cinema
-    Billiards
-    Table-tennis
-    Gym
-    Outdoor play area