If you’re planning a trip to Normandy, be sure to stop off and visit Château de Pirou. Nestled in the heart of the countryside at the foot of the Cotentin peninsula, it bears witness to the region’s rich medieval past.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Château de Pirou 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 Château de Pirou worthwhile?
Yes, the castle is well worth a visit. It’s a tiny castle, but one of our favorite in Normandy. It’s a fun visit, very different from what you’d expect from a medieval castle. It’s like exploring the site’s different buildings. And above all, it ends on the ramparts, following the very narrow walkway along the rooftops. We’re sure the kids will love it.
What you can see
Defensive doors
The castle is protected by a series of 3 moats and 5 defensive gates, 3 of which remain today. The first 2 are lined up, but you have to turn left at a right angle to reach the third. A strategy that exposed the attackers’ right flank.
Shell-keep construction
Château de Pirou is a “Shell Keep” castle. Built at the end of the 12th century, it sits like a shell on a platform in the middle of an artificial pond that forms the main moat.
The farmyard
It extends at right angles to the château entrance. It houses the outbuildings, the wine press, the plaids room, the charretterie and the Saint-Laurent chapel.
La Chapelle Saint-Laurent
The Saint-Laurent seigniorial chapel faces the drawbridge. It was rebuilt in the 17th century. It houses statues from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The drawbridge
A bascule drawbridge once provided access to the castle. It was replaced in the 17th century by a stone standing bridge with two low arches spanning the main moat.
The 15th-century square tower
A 15th-century square tower rises above the entrance bridge. From here, the drawbridge had to be crossed to enter the castle’s inner courtyard.
The inner courtyard
Château de Pirou is a former seigniorial residence in the form of a dungeon surrounding a small enclosed courtyard planted with trees.
Dwellings
The inner courtyard features two angled dwellings set against the wall. One is older, with arched doors, and the other is more recent, with large Louis XIV-style windows.
The walkway
We loved the narrow walkway around the buildings at roof level. The stone roofs are magnificent. They are made of Cotentin schist.
Pirou embroidery
Also known as the Pirou Tapestry, it recounts a dense period in Norman history, from the arrival of the Vikings on the Cotentin coast to the conquest of Sicily. It is now on display in the plaids room.
Château de Pirou (Normandy): how to find us
Where to find the castle
- 5min drive from the village of Pirou (Cotentin)
- 1 hour from Cherbourg
- 50min from Granville
Access by car and parking
A parking lot is provided at the entrance to the site.
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.
Public transport access
There is a bus network in the area, but you’ll be limited in terms of times and possibilities to reach Pirou.
Access on organized tours
For the more courageous, the Château de Pirou is part of the Lessay-Créances-Pirou-Geffosses cycle route. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
The château’s staircases are cramped, making access difficult for people with reduced mobility.
DISCOVER Cherbourg
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- Best hotels in Cherbourg (coming soon)
- Best restaurants in Chrebourg (coming soon)
- Cité de la mer (coming soon)
Useful tips for visiting Pirou Castle
Schedules and prices
The château is open from the end of March to the end of September, from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, as well as during the All Saints’ and Christmas vacations.
Days vary according to the season, so be sure to check the latest information on the official website here before your visit.
Rates:
- adult: €8
- children aged 7 to 17: €5
- free for children under 7
For other prices, more info here.
How long
Allow around 1 hour for a tour of the castle.
Best moment
In summer, we advise you to visit in the morning, as it will be less crowded. In any case, check the weather forecast and try to avoid rain, as much of the tour is outdoors.
Direction of visit
The route is signposted. Just follow the signs.
Visiting with children
Fun guided tours are specially adapted for children: The castle and Defend your castle. Find out more here.
Château de Pirou also organizes themed events and entertainment. Check the agenda here.
Eating out
The village of Pirou-plage, 2km from the château, offers a few restaurants, but we didn’t try them out.
Hotels
If you want to get closer to Mont-Saint-Michel, we recommend staying in Avranches, where you’ll have more choice.
For example, the Hotel La Ramade – See prices, photos and availability
Where to see the best rated hotels in Avranches
If you’re ready to go further, read our article on the best places to stay near Mont-Saint-Michel.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
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Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
