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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Franquetot came into being in 1528, when Jean Guillotte, an anointed taglet by Henry II, acquired the fief. A first castle, probably from the 14th century, was then mentioned as ruined. The Guillot family, which became Franquetot by alliance and anoblissement, began the construction of the current building. In 1603 Louis Guillotte adopted the name Franquetot, although the fief belonged to another family branch. From 1634 onwards, Madeleine Lalande-Patry, Countess of Coigny, wife of Jean-Antoine de Franquetot, renovated the castle and built the park, marking the beginning of its transformation into an aristocratic residence.

In the 18th century, Marshal François de Coigny (1670-1759), the first Duke of Coigny, completed the residence between 1733 and 1737 according to the plans of the Caennais architect Bayeux. His son, the Marquis Jean-Antoine-François de Franquetot, general of the armies, died in duel in 1748. The grandson, François Henri de Franquetot (1737-1821), became Marshal for his bravery. The family, having joined Napoleon I, kept the castle until the beginning of the 20th century. Sold and abandoned, it was restored after 1945 by Madame de Castéja, who had acquired it in 1928.

Architecturally, the castle combines a Renaissance wing (XVI century) and a central body of Louis XV style (1735-1739), with vaulted 13th century cellars. The facades, inscribed in historical monuments in 1968, have a pediment carved with the arms of the Franquetot, symbolizing their military and nobiliary ascent. The park, designed in the 17th century, completes this emblematic ensemble of Normandy.

The estate illustrates the evolution of a medieval seigneury in Duchy-Payrie under Louis XV (1747), reflecting the strategic alliances of the Guillotte-Francquetot. The crossed guns and enemy flags on the pediment recall the family's military titles. After centuries of fame, the castle, now privately owned, bears witness to this Norman heritage combining family history and classical architecture.

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