Château du Champ de Bataille

 

Here I go again, taking a cyber trip to the environs around Paris; in real life I have been unwilling to use any of my precious travel time to venture out of  the incomparable City of Lights.  However, the more I learn about the Chateau region the more likely I will be taking trips outside of Paris on my next visit.

An hour away, in Normandy, is the  Château du Champ-de-Bataille, a baroque castle built in 17th century that has been carefully restored and artfully decorated with furniture and objets d'art from a mix of French styles...all fit for royalty.

Laudree Tea room

Purchased in 1992 by Jacques Garcia, a French architect and designer.  His accomplishments include creating the interiors of the beautiful Laduree tea room on the Champs-Elysees and the Hotel Costes.  In 1999 he published his first book, Decorating in the French style which followed up with a new edition in 2005.  He also currently has a wonderful high end furniture line, The Jacques Garcia Collection with Baker furniture.

Prior to the restoration by Jacques Garcia, the story of this castle includes being plundered after the French Revolution and years of abandonment.

At one point, in the early 20th century this grand home was used as a hospital. Over the next 15 years, Mr. Garcia revived the Chateau.

Descriptions and photographs of the Chateau's interiors show it is elaborately filled with beautiful furnishings and artwork from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Included in the decorations are ancient manuscripts,tapestries,rugs and other rare objects.

The home boast 15 bedrooms, each with its own bathrooms, a hunting salon and a two story chapel.

In addition to his renovations of the building, Mr. Garcia also accomplished the restoration of the Chateau's 94 acres of gardens.

The estate has been open to the public since Mr. Garcia purchased it; even during the renovation.

For more information on this property you can visit the Chateau du Cham de Bataille website.