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Origin and history

The Château de Coupigny is an 18th century residence located on the former town of Airan, now integrated in Valambray (Calvados, Normandy). Built from 1756 by Jean-Louis de Fribois, seigneur of Coupigny and squire of Queen Marie Leszczynska, it remains unfinished for sale, twenty years later, because of financial ruin. Its Louis XV style architecture is distinguished by a central forebody with triangular pediment adorned with a clock, flanked by two pavilions.

During the French Revolution, the castle was acquired by M. de The Hague de Coulonges, who completed the interior decoration and made it a refuge for caulian chefs, including Froutté. This historic role bears witness to his involvement in the political turmoil of the time. The facades and roofs, characteristic of the Louis XV style, have been protected by an inscription to historical monuments since 21 June 1927.

The monument is less than 2 km southwest of Airan, in a Norman rural setting. Its central forebody, three-storey, features windows of various shapes (rectangular, low arch or semi-circular), reflecting the architectural eclecticism of the Enlightenment century. Today, there remains a preserved example of the Norman aristocratic heritage of modern times.

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