Château de Balleroy is a 17th-century architectural masterpiece in Balleroy, Calvados, designed by renowned architect François Mansart and completed in 1636. Showcasing classic Louis XIII style with perfect symmetry and featuring France's first suspended stone staircase, it exemplifies the first classical architecture in Normandy. Built by Jean II de Choisy, the castle was purchased by American entrepreneur Malcolm S. Forbes in 1970, who established an acclaimed hot-air balloon museum within its walls. The 200-hectare English-style park, laid out in the 19th century and labeled Jardin Remarquable, features geometric paths, sculpted topiaries, and symmetrical groves, making Balleroy a significant destination for heritage and cultural tourism.
