CASTLES SEINE-MARITIME

Château de Janville is a Renaissance-style mansion built around 1610 by Jean Louvel, a royal secretary-counselor ennobled in 1576, located in Paluel, Seine-Maritime. Constructed on land formerly owned by the Abbey of Fécamp, the château exemplifies early 17th-century architecture with its distinctive brick and sandstone Louis XIII façade. The estate remained in the Louvel family until the late 19th century, when it passed to Sybille Gabrielle Riquetti de Mirabeau, the Countess Martel de Janville, known for her pseudonymous literary works. During World War II, it served as German headquarters before becoming the base for the 89th American Infantry Division. Now privately owned and partially listed as a historical monument, the property encompasses extensive grounds, formal gardens, and a historic dovecot.

Château d'Ételan, built in 1494, holds the distinction of being the first château to integrate Renaissance style in France, representing a pivotal moment in architectural history. Located in Saint-Maurice-d'Ételan in Seine-Maritime, the structure exemplifies Flamboyant Gothic design with early Renaissance elements, overlooking the Seine's last meander. This architectural landmark has served as a vibrant cultural venue for over 40 years, hosting diverse programming including music, theater, and exhibitions. The château opens seasonally to visitors for guided tours, with expanded availability from April to October for groups and special events. The site remains available for private events and weddings, supporting its ongoing restoration and maintenance as an important heritage site in Normandy.

Château de Bois-Guilbert is a 17th-century estate spanning 7 hectares in Normandy's Seine-Maritime department, featuring the original castle and chapel from the Louis XIII era (1625), along with period buildings and sculptures set within carefully landscaped grounds. The property was created in 1985 by sculptor-landscaper Jean-Marc de Pas on ancestral family lands, with approximately sixty monumental bronze, resin, and cement sculptures adorning the promenades. The château holds the "Maison des Illustres" designation as the childhood home of economist Pierre Le Pesant de Boisguilbert (1646-1714). The gardens and open-air sculpture park received the "Jardin remarquable" (Remarkable Garden) label in 2014 and "Normandie Qualité Tourisme" recognition in 2018, creating a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary artistic expression.