Exterior photo ©Pamela Barrus; interior photos courtesy of Château de Bricquebec
Bricquebec can trace its name to the 10th-century Viking invaders who swept through the Cotentin peninsula (brekka, a slope, and bekkr, a river in Old Norse). A kinsman of the Duke of Normandy, Anslech, takes the credit for laying the foundation of the castle.
The descendants of Anslech, the Bertrans, became knights of illustrious fame for nearly 400 years. Baron Robert I accompanied William the Conqueror in 1066, while his son, Robert II, is believed to have participated in the taking of Jerusalem during the first Crusade. Robert VII rose to the position of Marshal of France.
During the Hundred Years War, the castle witnessed numerous skirmishes between English, French, and Navarrian troops. The castle served as a supply base for French King Charles V for a time, but when the war resumed in 1418, the troops of King Henry V of England took control. In 1452, Louis d’Estouteville, hero of Mont-Saint-Michele, retook the castle.
By this time, however, the Middle Ages were coming to an end and castles were falling out of favor. The Barons of Bricquebec abandoned the castle and moved to a more fashionable Italian-Renaissance style château.
Pamela’s Perspective
Located about a half hour from the car ferry at Cherbourg, the castle makes a great first night or a final farewell night in France.
Ask for one of the bigger rooms facing the inner courtyard. They’re worth the small extra price.
Le Château de Bricquebec
A 12th-century castle
Contact
4, cour du Château
50260 Bricquebec
Tel: ++33 (0)2 33 52 24 49
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
17 rooms
Double rooms: from 99–149 euros
Family room: from 299 euros
Breakfast extra
Open: 1 February until
mid-December
Getting there
Bricquebec is located on the Cotentin Peninsula, south of Cherbourg where routes D902 and D900 intersect. The nearest rail station is at Valognes.
What to do
On site: museum
Nearby: horseback riding;
swimming; tennis; golf;
historical D-Day sites
If these walls could speak! Pass through an ancient stone archway and the monuments of a medieval world are revealed before you.
A 14th-century keep rises straight ahead, but if you look just to the left, you’ll see the former great knights’ hall—now reborn as accommodations for 21st-century travelers.
At this friendly hotel (English is spoken), you can relax, bring the kids, and make plans to explore the region—many sites of Normandy are just under an hour away.
Guest rooms are comfortably furnished with occasional antique pieces. One has the remains of an old circular stairway; others have mullioned windows.
Thick columns, heraldic shields, and an open fire carries out the medieval ambience in the hotel dining room. You’ll also see local diners who come to enjoy the excellent cuisine and presentation. A menu for young children is available upon request.
Something special
Excellent value