Château de Bénouville

The Château de Bénouville is situated on Route d'Étretat in Bénouville, Normandy, France.

History

• Built between 1770-74 and 1776-80, the château was designed by architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux at the request of Hyppolite-François Sanguin, marquis of Livry, and his wife Thérèse Bonne Gillain de Bénouville. The interior was under construction from 1778 to 1780 under the direction of Jean-François-Étienne Gilet, the architect of Caen.
• In 1792, the château was purchased by a fermier général who was guillotined in 1794. His daughter inherited the property, which remained in that family until 1927. The general council of Calvados acquired the property in 1927 and converted it into a maternity hospital. In 1980, the château underwent rehabilitation and restoration, opening its doors to the public in 1990.

Architecture

The Château de Bénouville is one of the best-preserved works of Claude Nicolas Ledoux, showcasing neoclassical architecture at the end of the eighteenth century. The monumental staircase and exterior architecture were highly modern for their time.

Notable Features and Rooms

• The château features a grand staircase that was considered very modern for its era.
• The interior design reflects the neoclassical style, with elements such as columns and arches.

Current Status and Use

The Château de Bénouville is now open to the public and serves as a museum. It offers guided tours of its historic rooms and grounds.

Heritage Status

Designated as a Monument Historique in 1972, the château has been recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

Visiting Information

• Address: Route d'Étretat
• Country: France
• Town: Bénouville