About This Villa

To stay in the historic Château de L’Empereur will be an unforgettable experience. Set in 125 acres of glorious parkland, guests will not only stay in a sensitively renovated 17th-century château but also experience the 5* hospitality of its outstanding hosts.

The château has a fascinating history: Emperor Joseph II, the brother of Marie-Antoinette, stayed there in the late 18th century and it also played a vital role as a hospital for the wounded in World War II. In more recent years it has been beautifully restored to its former glory with 16 classically styled bedrooms, each with their own impressive bathroom plus two exquisite drawing rooms, a romantic dining room and a welcoming chef’s kitchen-diner.

Despite the rich historical ambience, splendid 21st-century features include an indoor swimming pool, perfect for winter days by the pool’s roaring fire, a large Jacuzzi, a sauna, a space perfect for yoga and massage as well as an impressive home theatre where guests can watch the big screen or play on the PS4 console under a vaulted ceiling. In the summer months you can spend leisurely days by the outdoor swimming pool with glorious views of the surrounding parkland.

The exceptional hosts have a wealth of experience in providing high-end service in superb settings and here is no different. Daily maid service of the common areas is included and the hosts are discrete and ready to provide you with any help you may need. 

Their aim is to provide guests with authentic luxury experiences whether it is hiring a Michelin-starred chef to prepare a meal as you watch in the open kitchen-diner, arrange for a hot-air balloon to whisk you away from the château’s grounds or organise extra maid service and butlers to serve each of the 16 bedrooms. 

The glorious grounds offer 125 acres of parkland filled with lawns, woods, ponds, streams and wildlife such as birds, rabbits and wild deer roaming free. Go for long walks as the children explore their surroundings, find a quiet place to sit in the shade of the ancient trees or listen to the trickle of the fountain and stream.

It will be hard to leave this paradise, yet there is so much of Normandy to explore such as historical Bayeux within half an hour, the old University city of Caen, the pretty seaside towns of Deauville and Honfleur and the stunning granite island of Mont St Michel. Not to mention the wonderful wide sandy beaches along the north coast, including many of the D-Day landing beaches within an hour's drive.

There is of course hiking, cycling and horse-riding opportunities across the region as well as brilliant golf courses and an array of water-sports along the coast.

That said, whether it’s a celebration, a unique wedding or a special holiday with loved ones, it will be hard to leave the historical surroundings, contemporary features and the warm hospitality of the remarkable Château de L’Empereur.

Amenities