March 8, 2012

Le Château de Balleroy

Château de Balleroy

Just thought I would share a bit of our day out yesterday with you...

Despite the grey and drizzle, we decided to get out and explore some more of our little corner of Normandy.

We headed south through the Fôret de Cerisy to the town of Balleroy, just a short drive from Bayeux and home to the famous Balloon Museum at Le Château de Balleroy.
We arrived just as the rain stopped falling.

The Château and its gardens are closed until March 15, but that didn't stop us from stopping for a bit and admiring its dignified presence from afar.

Gorgeous, non?

Château de Balleroy

Trees

gate

trees

Château de Balleroy Pin It

21 comments:

melinda said...

very elegant

Annie said...

Architecture "Louis XIII" typique (first half of XVIIth century). I'm not wrong, am I ? J'adore cette période ! Le XVIIIème est dit plus élégant, mais la 1ère partie du XVIIème est à la fois cossue et sobre. Un peu plus masculine, aussi.

Maureen said...

Imagine coming home to that every day? LOL Imagine the dusting!

Diane said...

That really looks like it is worth another trip when the Château and garden are open. Your photos are a good teaser to return. Diane

Emm said...

Great pix, and the gate (?) in the second one is very intimidating. Keeps out the riff-raff, you bet.

French Girl in Seattle said...

Magnifique. Great shots! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Kasia Dietz said...

Lovely, even under the gray skies!

chickster said...

I can only imagine what it looks like on the inside! After touring a few châteaux in the Loire Valley, I'm hooked on going inside and catching glimpses of how the rich used to lived.

Virginia said...

Lovely little place! :) I would love strolling the gardens with you. Your photographs are always so great.
Bon weekend my dear,
V

Murissa said...

So gorgeous! Despite the drizzle and grey weather you've managed to produce some spectacular images!

The Wanderfull Traveler

Jennifer said...

Melinda
I think so too!

Annie
I read that the Château was designed by Francois Mansart in 1626, so you are correct!

Jennifer said...

Maureen
Imagine the cobwebs and the dust bunnies! No thanks.

Diane
I'm excited to go back and see the gardens this spring. I'm sure they are beautiful!

Jennifer said...

Véronique
Merci!

Kasia
I had read a bit about it before we went, but it was much prettier than I imagined. I plan to go back and visit once it is open.

Jennifer said...

Chickster
I've only been inside a few Châteaux in France, usually they are too crowded, but this one I definitely plan to visit.

Virginia
Come to Normandy and we can stroll through the gardens!

Jennifer said...

Murissa
Thanks! A compliment, indeed. :)

The Beaver said...

Loulou

Is the Forbes family still the owner of the Château?

Mary said...

Oh my! How magnificent is that?! I want to live there for a month or two. Can you imagine? (Silly question.. i'm sure you can!) Wow! What a gorgeous chateau... Sigh

Travel said...

We stopped there last summer, it is fantastic.
That is a wonderful area to explore.

prestose said...

Thanks so much for the info about the chateau. We'll be in Bayeux starting on the 18th and will put this on our list.

Jennifer said...

Beaver
Yes, I believe that they still are.

Mary
It would be grand! But only in the warmer months, I would hate to see what it costs to heat that place. (Afraid I am far to practical to live in a huge house!) :)

Jennifer said...

Travel
Thanks for stopping by to comment. Nice to hear from another Normandy fan.

prestose
You're very welcome. Hope you have a wonderful time in Bayeux and environs!