Immerse yourself in the experiences of Normandy

We recommend a visit to the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel. An impressive monastery that floats between the sea and the sky.

However, be aware that it is one of France's biggest tourist attractions, and in high season there will be many visitors.

Normandy also carries the legacy of D-Day, and the whole region has many memorials and war museums. This is where the Allied forces landed during World War II on June 6, 1944 and risked their lives in the invasion known as D-Day.

Sword Beach, Gold beach, Juno Beach, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, also known as the invasion beaches, form a crucial chapter in D-Day history. Today, visitors can delve into the past, visiting memorials and cemeteries that stand as powerful symbols of the battle that was fought and the many who gave their lives to secure our freedom today.

The American beaches. The cemetery at Omaha Beach stands as an impressive symbol of the honor and sacrifice of D-Day, its size a reminder of the many brave men who died in battle. The Utah Beach Museum provides insight into the events of D-Day told from the American perspective.

At Juno Beach, you gain insight into the Canadian sector and the story of the Canadian forces' contribution to the liberation of Europe.

Gold beach and Sword Beach were the English part, there is a new memorial from 2019 where the civilian victims also are remembered.

It's also worth exploring the other cemeteries in the area, which tell a moving story and are respectful places to remember those who gave everything to shape the future.

The German cemeteries in Normandy, in contrast to the American cemetery, exudes a different atmosphere and tells a unique story. Where the American cemetery represents the victory of the Allies and the victims of D-Day, the German cemetery in La Cambe symbolizes the other side of the conflict.

There is also a Danish memorial not far from Utah Beach in memory of the 800 Danish sailors who took part in the Allied invasion on June 6, 1944.

The Normandy coastline is known for its beautiful beaches, ranging from quiet coves to wide stretches of sand. An 80km drive from Chateau du Gue aux Biches allows you to indulge in sunny days on the beaches. Here are some of the notable beaches in Normandy:

Deauville and Trouville, two charming seaside towns in Normandy, are connected by a bridge and are easy to explore on foot. They offer wide sandy beaches and an elegant atmosphere. They are perfect places for a relaxing day by the sea which can be finished by enjoying the sunset over the English Channel. The area attracts many visitors from Paris seeking beach holiday experiences, characterized by impressive beaches, elegant villas along the coast and Horse Racing.

Étretat Beach not only has impressive rock formations, but also a beautiful beach. You can relax on the sand and enjoy the view of the dramatic cliffs that surround the area.

Cabourg Beach: Is a charming seaside resort known for its long sandy beach and it has one of the most famous promenades in the region.

Arromanches-les-Bains: Is a picturesque coastal town with a fine sandy beach. The town has a calm atmosphere and where you can still see the remains off the famous Mulberry harbour used during the D-Day landings

Granville is an active fishing village with an impressive view of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Beautiful beaches and the pink villa where Christian Dior grew up, which is now a museum and a garden that you can visit.

Barneville-Carteret: This destination offers wide sandy beaches and clear water.

Luc-sur-Mer: Is a small coastal town with a pleasant atmosphere and a fine sandy beach.

Honfleur, although it does not have a traditional large sandy beach, is a charming harbour town with a small beach on the shore and where the River Seine runs into the English Channel. It is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of this picturesque town. A harbour town with cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and a characteristic harbour.

Some of the most notable places to visit in Honfleur include St. Catherine's Church, which is the largest wooden church in France, and the iconic Vieux Bassin (old port), where you can find many cosy restaurants and shops. Honfleur has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including impressionists such as Claude Monet.

Claude Monet, the world-renowned impressionist painter, had a strong connection to Normandy and often depicted the natural beauty of the region in his works. Here are some of the places in Normandy that became sources of inspiration for Monet.

Etretat, with its dramatic rock formations and breathtaking sea views. He painted several works that captured the changing light conditions and colours of this picturesque landscape.
Honfleur was also immortalized by Monet. He painted the colourful urban environment, the fishing harbour and the characteristic buildings in his works.
Rouen, with its impressive cathedral, was another motif for Monet. He created a series of images that captured the cathedral's facades in different lighting and weather conditions.

Although Monet's home in Giverny is slightly outside Normandy, it was here that he created the famous garden that he painted in the series "The Water Lilies" and "The Bridge over a Pond with Water Lilies.

Caen is a large city with a rich history and is an hour's drive from the Chateau, the city's landmarks include the impressive Château de Caen, the Abbaye aux Hommes and the Abbaye aux Dames, two significant abbeys.

Under William the Conqueror, Caen was an important city and is known for its medieval quarters and lively squares. The city's architecture bears the stamp of different periods. From medieval castles and monasteries to modern urban areas, Caen's cityscape reflects a continuous development over the centuries.

Caen is also home to the fascinating Memorial Museum, which focuses on D-Day and World War II history

Just 2 hours drive from the chateau you will find the city of Rouen. This city is known for its rich history, beautiful medieval architecture and cultural significance. Some of the notable sights in Rouen are;

Notre-Dame Cathedral: An impressive Gothic cathedral.

Gros-Horloge: A medieval clock that is part of the city's oldest clockwork.

Old Market: A charming square surrounded by half-timbered houses and known for its historical significance and atmosphere.

Saint-Maclou Cemetery: A Gothic cemetery with beautiful tombs and an atmosphere of tranquility.

Joan of Arc Museum: Dedicated to the famous French national saint who was burned at the stake in Rouen. Joan of Arc revived France's fighting spirit with a life as dramatic as it was short. The young peasant girl Joan of Arc, who only reached the age of 19, managed to lead armies, crown a king and ignite the hope that marked the turning point in the 100-year war against England. This unique woman who saved France but who unfortunately ended up being betrayed and ended her life at the stake.

It's fascinating to step back in time and explore Normandy's rich history that extends far beyond the known events of WWII. One of the early chapters of this history includes the founding of Normandy and the story of Rollo. Normandy also holds stories of crusaders who trained and prepared before setting out for the Holy Land.

Rollo and the founding of Normandy

In the 10th century, Rollo, a Viking chief, made a remarkable agreement with the French king Charles the Simple and became the first Duke of Normandy. This agreement marked the beginning of Normandy's history as a region and was later reinforced by his descendants, especially William the Conqueror.

Falaise and William the Conqueror

Serving as the birthplace of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, Falaise has its roots in this important period. William's conquest of England in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings and the subsequent impact on European history cements Falaise as an important landmark.

The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique attraction in the city of Bayeux that tells the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and William the Conqueror's expedition to England.

The 70 meter long embroidered tapestry is a living tale and a rare cultural treasure.

Normandy is not only a treasure trove of history, but also a modern region with exciting cities such as Le Havre, which houses the impressive art museum Le Musée d'art moderne André Malraux (MUMA) with works by great artists such as Renoir, Sisley, Pissaro, Degas and others. The town of Le Havre is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is definitely worth a visit.

For motorsport enthusiasts, we recommend going to Le Mans, host of the world's most legendary 24-hour race.

Le Mans is a festival of engines and speed, if fast cars and endurance hold your interest, it's an event you won't want to miss.

The chateau is exactly 88 km from Le Mans, which provides an obvious opportunity to combine racing with a chateau stay.

Just 200 meters from the gates of the chateau - you will find the 9-hole course Golf of Bagnoles de l'Orne.

If golf interests you, you can either rent equipment on site or bring your own clubs.

This allows you to combine a chateau stay with golf, and for many it is the perfect mix of sport and relaxation.

Our Chateau is beautifully situated just 1.5 km from Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, a town known for its thermal baths, wellness facilities, casino and the most beautiful nature. There are several reasons why Bagnoles de l'Orne is a hidden gem.

The town is very well preserved in the elegant Bell Epoque style, the thermal baths add a unique touch along with the well preserved casino. Located in the forests of Andaine, makes the town an idyllic oasis of calm and natural beauty. It can be difficult to describe exactly what makes the place special, but it is the atmosphere, the people and the energy that together create charm and make the city, in our opinion, a hidden gem.

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne also offers cafes, restaurants and shops that invite visitors to explore the town.

Bagnoles de l'Orne has been shrouded in rumors and legends surrounding the town's well-known springs, which can be traced back to the Middle Ages. An old tale says that Seigneur Hugues de Tessé, convinced that his horse, Rapide, was nearing the end of his life, made a remarkable decision.

Seigneur Hugues decided to leave the horse in the lush forests around Andaines. To his amazement, Rapide returned after some time, not only alive, but stronger, more beautiful and full of vitality. Overwhelmed by this transformation, Seigneur Hugues decided to follow his horse through the forest. Surprisingly, Rapide led his master to the healing springs of Bagnoles, where he too drank from the waters and was rejuvenated.

Although this tale is merely an ancient legend, it raises the hope of a magical connection between the forests of Andaine, the waters of Bagnoles and rejuvenation in the Spa. Whether the legend holds any truth or not, it remains an enigma that each visitor must explore for themselves.
For further information on the town's many offers, our guests can always contact the tourist office in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, who are always ready to help.

Throughout the ages, many have found their way to this special area of Normandy to enjoy French cuisine.

Join us on a culinary journey where the taste of authentic local products will enchant your taste buds.

At Chateau du Gue aux Biches, we strive to pamper our guests with our local specialties, including the tasty cheeses, calvados, the golden honey from our own beehives, jams, refreshing ciders and fruit juices.

These delicacies are always presented on the breakfast table, where we prioritize using the best local produce to ensure a good taste experience.

GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURES OR FOODIES

For the gastronomic adventurers, or the so-called foodies, our area awaits with a multitude of restaurants that present a palette of good experiences.

We have personally explored many of the area's restaurants and are aware that our guests appreciate the perfect combination of a comfortable stay at the chateau with delicious restaurant experiences for lunch and dinner. Therefore, we are more than willing to be helpful in finding exactly what suits your wishes.

Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are happy to help book a table and make recomendations, whether you want a local café, bistro, brasserie, Michelin Starred or an up-and-coming restaurant.