What distinguishes a 16th-century Norman manor from other types of châteaux ?

A manor was a seigneurial residence combining a dwelling with working farmland, smaller and less fortified than great castles. This example includes a fortified gatehouse, outbuildings, a chapel, and a decorated staircase tower serving both practical and ornamental functions.

Who built the Gonfreville manor ?

François Le Roux, lord of Gonfreville, built it in the 16th century. His descendants rose to positions of administrative importance; one served as treasurer of France in Caen during the 17th century.

What is an angled-corner staircase tower ?

It is a tower whose sharp edges are cut diagonally, creating an octagonal form. This architectural technique strengthened the structure and added visual sophistication to the facade.

Manoir dit La Cour

Gonfreville

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Gonfreville

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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Manoir dit La Cour stands in Gonfreville (Manche), in the Normandie region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The manor known as La Cour dates from the 16th century and stands in Gonfreville as an example of Norman Renaissance architecture. Built for the Le Roux family, whose members held administrative positions in Normandy, it retains its original facades and roofing alongside associated farm buildings. The ensemble comprises the main house, its period gatehouse, outbuildings, and a chapel, representing a well-preserved rural estate.

What to know

Access and visiting conditions are not publicly specified; advance inquiries are recommended before traveling.
The manor has been protected as a historic monument since 1977, ensuring its preservation though practical visiting arrangements require prior confirmation.
Notable architectural features include an angled-corner staircase tower and interior doorways decorated with gothic-style arches and carved ornaments.
The estate comprises residential, agricultural, and religious buildings from the 16th century arranged in their original configuration.

Where this château is

Gonfreville · Manche · Normandie

Map of the area around Manoir dit La Cour

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Gonfreville, Manche

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00110410
Period of construction: 16th century

Itineraries

Normandy châteaux in 2 days

Frequently asked

What distinguishes a 16th-century Norman manor from other types of châteaux ?: A manor was a seigneurial residence combining a dwelling with working farmland, smaller and less fortified than great castles. This example includes a fortified gatehouse, outbuildings, a chapel, and a decorated staircase tower serving both practical and ornamental functions.
Who built the Gonfreville manor ?: François Le Roux, lord of Gonfreville, built it in the 16th century. His descendants rose to positions of administrative importance; one served as treasurer of France in Caen during the 17th century.
What is an angled-corner staircase tower ?: It is a tower whose sharp edges are cut diagonally, creating an octagonal form. This architectural technique strengthened the structure and added visual sophistication to the facade.