Construction of the mansion Fin XVe - XVIe siècle (≈ 1695)
Period of initial stone construction.
1789
Religious property
Religious property 1789 (≈ 1789)
Belongs to the Order of St. Ursula of Lisieux.
17 mai 1933
Partial classification
Partial classification 17 mai 1933 (≈ 1933)
Registration of elements: turret, staircase, house.
1997
Restoration and museum
Restoration and museum 1997 (≈ 1997)
Opening of the Musée vivant de la Basse Cour.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
House Corps, stair turret: inscription by order of 17 May 1933
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any specific historical actors.
Origin and history
La Ferme de la Vallée, also known as the Valley Manor House or Living Museum of the Basse Cour, is a building built between the late 15th and 16th centuries. Located in the commune of Norolles, in the Calvados department in Normandy, it is distinguished by its stone construction, a rare material in the country of Auge. The building presents defensive elements, such as murderers and a tower centered on the façade, reflecting the security concerns of the time.
In 1789, the farm belonged to the Order of Sainte-Ursule de Lisieux, indicating a link with religious institutions before the French Revolution. It was partially classified as historical monuments on 17 May 1933, especially for its house, turret and staircase. After a restoration in 1997, the site hosted the Musée vivant de la Basse-Cour, an initiative led by the management of the Musée du Cheval, thus diversifying its cultural and tourist use.
The architecture of La Ferme de la Vallée combines residential and defensive features, typical of Norman mansions of the Renaissance. Its inscription in the title of historic monuments underlines its heritage importance, while its transformation into a living museum demonstrates a desire to preserve and enhance the rural heritage. Available sources, such as Mérimée's references or Flohic editions, confirm its role in local and regional history.
