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Origin and history

The Château de la Londe is an 18th century residence built in 1743 by Jacques Andrey des Pommeraies, advisor to the king and treasurer of France at Caen. Located in Biéville-Beuville in Calvados, this monument is part of the style of the "houses of the fields" built by the Caennais notables. The estate, originally acquired by the Andrey family in 1571, grew over generations, with the addition of pavilions and a chapel in 1786.

During the French Revolution, the castle briefly housed the refractory priest François-Richard-Aimé Langlois in 1791, arrested and then released three months later. The property, transferred by successive alliances to the families of La Londe, Rouxelin de Formigny, and Letellier de Larguilly, remained in these lines until the 21st century. His occupation by the German army during the Second World War culminated with his partial destruction during the fighting in June 1944, including Operation Mitten.

Architecturally, the castle is distinguished by its symmetry and lack of ostentatious decoration, favouring comfort. The house body, rectangular and surmounted by a slate roof, is framed by two pavilions and an open gate. Although the dovecote and chapel have disappeared, the estate retains its park and entrance pavilions, which have been listed as historic monuments since 1947.

Post-Second World War repairs, carried out between the 1950s and 1960s, partially restored the damage suffered. Nearby, the castle of La Petite Londe was completely destroyed in 1944. Today, the Londe remains a testimony of Norman history, mixing architectural heritage and significant events.

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