Château de Galleville, Galleville, France

Château de Galleville is remarkable for ifs great unity of style. The castle was built in 1678 by Roque de Varengeville, counsellor to King Louis XIV and also his ambassador in Venice (a city in which he would develop a passion for stucco architecture, later applying this decorative technique to the chateau's chapel. A continuous line of ownership by inheritance or marriage can be traced from the present owners back to 1769, year in which the chateau estate was bought by the Monsieur de Reuville family. In later years, it passed via marriage into the families of the Count of Héricy and the Marquis de Montault. Finally, it was bequeathed by Melle Isaure de Montault to her nephew, the Baron d'Etchegoyen.

The Revolution spread to Doudeville but the chateau emerged relatively unscathed. Complete restoration of the chateau was carried out by Count Mniszech, husband of a certain Melle de Montault in 1880. During the First World War (1914-1918) chateau was occupied by regiments of Scottish and English soldiers.

In 1943 Galleville suffered damages during World War II, not by bombs but by a fire started by the Germans who were occupying the site. At the end of the war, a whole section of the chateau was in ruins. The Baron d'Etchegoyen rapidly set about repairing the damage — the building works would last eight years but restored the chateau to its former glory. Today Château de Galleville is open to the public.

References:

Château de Galleville

User Reviews

Bram Leffers (8 months ago)
We visited the château while we were in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, only the garden is open to the public. Upon arrival, we were the only visitors, and to enter the garden, you need to deposit 6 euros in a box located on the left side of the building before the gate and water feature. The garden is enterend on the lefthand side after the gate / water. We were lucky to be treated to a conversation with one of the owners, who provided some fascinating insights into the history and current state of the château. The garden, which was once much larger, has been significantly reduced in size due to the difficulty of maintaining it. The rest of the grounds surrounding the château are mostly grass and weeds, giving the impression that the estate is underutilized. As I wandered through the grounds, I couldn’t help but think that this place has the potential to be so much more than just a public garden. The château itself seems barely in use, which feels like a missed opportunity. You can explore around the entire château, both front and back, which is a plus. Overall, I gave it three stars after my conversation with the owner, but your experience may vary.

Khashayar Javanmardi (8 months ago)
No doubt it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited in my lifetime. I spent my marriage anniversary here and it was more than what I expected! Don’t miss to visit the place if you have chance!

Colombe Brunel (8 months ago)
Sublime garden and surroundings!

E Le Ret (2 years ago)
Magnificent garden. Access to the castle prohibited but the exterior is incredible

Said Mohamedi (2 years ago)
Magnificent fireworks for August 15

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Château de Galleville

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople