If you’re planning a trip to Normandy, why not stop off at the Domaine d’Harcourt? A visit to the medieval château includes an incredible arboretum, one of the oldest in France.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Domaine d’Harcourt in Normandy.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Domaine d’Harcourt worthwhile?
Yes, the estate is certainly worth a visit. The château is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, classified as a historic monument. The 15-hectarearboretum that serves as its backdrop is classified as an outstanding garden.
In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful châteaux to visit in Normandy.
You can now reserve your ticket.
What you can see
The bicentennial arboretum
We love trees, so strolling through the park before entering the château was a delight. TheHarcourt arboretum is a place for collecting andacclimatizing numerous specimens, some of which are between 150 and 200 years old. More than 500 species can be found here.
The châtelet or south gate
The entrance to the château is through the south gate, a châtelet. A delightful little building giving access to the farmyard. We really liked the Gothic door we passed under.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The fortified enclosure
This leads to the castle’s bailey. We strolled along this large grassy platform, opposite the château dwelling. It is protected by an enclosure built of flint, of which 5 round towers remain (there were 12), half in ruins, pierced with loopholes.
The medieval castle
The château is tucked away behind another entrance châtelet. It’s a compact, polygonal building. We saw the square keep to the north-west and the dwelling.
The drawbridge portcullis
As we entered the castle itself, we passed over the footbridge that now replaces the drawbridge. The portcullis at the top of the entrance passage, above our heads, was particularly visible.
Exhibiting the remains of the site
In the entrance hall of the dwelling, we were able to visit an exhibition. It provides an insight into the history of this ancient fortified castle and its successive occupants. Objects recovered during its restoration in the late 80s, including ceramics, are on display.
The cut of a 16th-century cedar of Lebanon
The cutting of a Lebanese cedar is also on display. We were very interested. Trees, always trees! The number of rings in his eyes (294) dates his birth to the 16th century. It comes from the mountains of the Near East and was donated by the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris.
The well and its squirrel cage
Against the wall of the dwelling, we found a well housed in a niche with a decorated vault, typical of the 12th century. The shaft is equipped with a squirrel cage. This is a wheel system that allowed water buckets to be lifted by walking inside the wheel.
The 17th-century façade
The château underwent modifications in the 17th century. It has been given a new, classically styled interior facade, which we found very elegant, with its large windows overlooking the courtyard of honor.
The double defensive moat
Leaving the château, we looked out over the park to see the surrounding wall with its towers. It is protected by a deep moat (the outer moat) which reinforces the moat surrounding the castle itself (the inner moat).
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
Château Domaine d’Harcourt: access
Where to find us
- Just outside the village of Harcourt, in the Eure department
- Less than 40min drive from Evreux
- You can find the chateau on the map below at point number 9.
Access by car and parking
Free parking for visitors (coaches, campers, motorcycles, cars) is available at the site entrance.
Public transport access
- By bus: route 214 (between Evreux and Honfleur) serves the village of Harcourt. The stop is in front of the church, a 15-minute walk from the castle.
- By bike: the Domaine d’Harcourt has been awarded the “Accueil Vélo” label, and is accessible by the “Evreux-Pont Authou” greenway and by road.
Visiting difficulties
- The park’s pathways are made of gravel.
- At the time of our visit, there were wooden steps to enter the castle, but work has since been carried out.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Visit Château Domaine d’Harcourt: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The château and arboretum are open daily:
- 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 15 to September 15
- 2 pm to 6 pm March 1 to June 14 and September 16 to November 15 (except Tuesdays)
Rates:
- adult: €5
- children aged 6 to 12: €2
- free for children under 5
For other prices, more info on the official website here.
How long
Allow around 1 hour for a tour of the château and its arboretum, and more if you feel like it.
Best moment
In summer, we advise you to visit in the morning, as it will be less crowded. In any case, remember to check the weather forecast to avoid rain, as much of the tour is outdoors.
Direction of visit
Our visit included a free tour of the château and arboretum.
Visiting with children
During the summer, the Domaine d’Harcourt offers an escape game, “Les Mystères de l’Arboretum”, and workshops to delight young and old alike. Find out more here.
Eating out
The estate is a 15-minute walk from the center of the village of Harcourt. During our visit, we had lunch at Restaurant Le Comptoir de l’Arboretum, opposite the town hall, a highly-rated establishment that didn’t disappoint. Find out more here.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any special events at the Domaine d’Harcourt?
The Domaine d’Harcourt is a sensitive natural area in a splendid setting. It’s the scene of exciting cultural and sportingevents, which change every season. Find out more about the current year’s program here.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
