Saint-Germain-de-Livet castle

Remarkable architecture

Listed as a Historic Monument, Saint-Germain-de-Livet Castle is just 10 minutes from Lisieux.  Surrounded by a moat complete with majestic swans, this architectural gem comprises a 15th-century half-timbered manor house and a château constructed from Pré d’Auge glazed brick and stone arranged in a checkerboard design, dating from the end of the 16th century. Enjoy unspoiled 360° views of the castle from the formal gardens and stunning surroundings.

Follow the guide!

Saint-Germain-de-Livet Castle is open to the public from April until the first weekend in November. Admission to the gardens is free. Admission to the castle is by guided tour only. Guided tours are organised every hour in high season.

A museum as well as a castle

This castle museum, which claims the prestigious title of Musée de France, showcases the furniture and collections belonging to the family who donated the estate to the town of Lisieux in 1958. Combining furniture and works of art, the interior reflects the refined way of life in the 19th century and offers an opportunity to discover the artistic career and personal life of the painter Léon Riesener, grandson of the cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener and cousin of Eugène Delacroix.

Nicknamed “The Wonder of the Pays d’Auge”, Saint-Germain-de-Livet Castle is an architectural masterpiece nestled in the foothills of a valley, in the heart of the Normandy countryside. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Normandy.