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Origin and history

Beaumais Castle is a Renaissance building located in Calvados, Normandy, in the commune of Beaumais. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, it succeeds a medieval castle whose location was crossed by a Roman way. This historic site is linked to the epic of William the Conqueror, the local lords having participated in the conquest of England in 1066. The village thus preserves traces of an ancient occupation, mixing ancient and medieval heritage.

The present castle, built in limestone, illustrates the French Renaissance style, although its asymmetrical architecture and defensive elements (like a scauguette on the stair tower) recall its medieval origins. Interior, described as unremarkable by Arcisse de Caumont, contrasts with a well-preserved exterior facade, despite today's filled moat. The building suffered a fire in 1945, partially destroying its right wing and causing significant damage estimated at 500,000 francs.

Ranked as a Historic Monument since 23 June 1933, Beaumais Castle is not open to visitors. His history was also marked by notable owners, such as Me Le Camus, a civilian lieutenant in Paris, who owned him in 1674. The sources mention its role in the local landscape, between seigneurial heritage and Renaissance architecture, while highlighting its current state of non-accessibility to the public.

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