Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Cuverville Castle, built in 1730 by Cavelier de Cuverville's family, replaces an older house with only a 16th century chimney. This mansion, typical of Norman architecture of the eighteenth century, was erected by the Knight Cavelier of Cuverville, future Admiral and companion of Suffren. He remained in this family for a century before he was acquired in 1835 by the Rondeaux, a Protestant family in Rounn.

In 1895 Madeleine Rondeaux, heir to the castle, married her cousin André Gide in the commune. The writer regularly stayed there, receiving literary figures such as Paul Valéry or Roger Martin du Gard. Gide wrote La Porte Narrow (1909), inspired directly by the mansion, which he renamed Fongueusemare. After his wife's death in 1938, he almost ceased to come there, although the castle and its 8 hectare park, classified in 1945, retained their original setting.

The castle, still privately owned, has been partially listed as a historical monument since 1970 for its facades, roofs, large living room and staircase. There is no furniture left by Gide n The writer and his wife rest in the nearby cemetery.

The protection of the monument also covers its park, classified as natural sites since 1945. Although closed to the public, the castle illustrates Normandy's architectural and literary heritage, combining maritime history (via the Cavelier de Cuverville) and cultural heritage (via Gide and its guests).

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