Département: Manche  (50) 

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If you are a history buff, there is much to learn at Château de Boucéel.  The Count de Roquefeuil enjoys relating the history of the château in front of family portraits or a fire roaring in a fireplace  --  a history that includes the story of a counter-revolutionary, Chouan du Boisguy, who spent the night at the château on December 5, 1795,  preceding his violent battle the next morning against "les bleus".   During World War II, the château was briefly occupied by the Germans, who chose to leave rather quickly because there was no electricity.  The Count's father, active in the French Resistance, was arrested by the Gestapo on July 10, 1944, deported to a prison camp and later freed by the Americans.   And yet another American connection relates to certain trees on the property, acquired from a friend of the family, Général Armand.  He had received the trees from Virginia as a gift from George Washington himself.  Not only can visitors see the original trees, but many saplings which are direct descendants! 

Today, the interior of the château is elegant and very pleasing.  The vestibule is a majestic space with an exquisite patterned  floor and an imposing stone stairway, welcoming visitors in a grand manner.  Wood paneling, glowing parquet floors, French period furniture, and family portraits add to the tasteful and inviting décor.  No comfort is left unattended.  French billiards are available in the Salon de Billard;  the dining room with French doors and a fireplace offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy breakfast and plan your day; the library, with its fireplace burning throughout the winter, is a cozy and quiet place to read or spend moments of solitude and contemplation; and the guest rooms,  with long windows to let in light and to view the gardens,  are each lovingly decorated to ensure your comfort and privacy.  And, for four people who would like to have a self-catering stay, there is La Boulangerie, a completely restored and beautiful stone house with an ancient bread oven to contrast with all the modern amenities you could want or need!  The Count and Countess Régis de Roquefeuil-Cahuzac enthusiastically welcome guests to their home and this very beautiful corner of Normandy. 

Open all year except January 9 through January 31, 2010.
On the grounds:    Heated swimming pool (May 1 - September 30 from 9 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 19:00), gîte, English gardens, pond with an island, ancient trees, chapel built between the 12th and 15th centuries, meadows -- all for peaceful daydreaming!
Vicinity:  Le Mont St-Michel, tennis 6 kilometers, swimming pool 16 kilometers, St Malo, Granville (golf and casino), Rennes, Caen and its World War II museum, Avranches, Cherbourg and the Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy landing beaches  (1 hour drive), and the Bayeux Tapestry (1 hour away).

From Paris - Caen - Avranches:  direction Le Mont St-Michel exit 34. On the N 175, take the exit "D40 Le Mont Saint Michel/ANTRAIN".  Go in the direction of Antrain about 6 kilometers on the D40.  Turn left on the D308.  The château is about 800 meters further.

From Paris - Laval: Take the A10/A11 to exit 4 "Ernee-Fougeres/Saint James".  On the D998, at about 5 kilometers after Saint James, turn left toward BOUCEEL (small road sign).  The château is a further 2 kilometers.

Airport and  Railroad:  Rennes

Car Rental Rennes (click here)

Michelin Map to Château