Chateau d’Etelan | Caux Seine Normandie tourisme

The wonders of the Seine Valley are often referred to as nuggets. But in this case, it would be more accurate to speak of a pearl, a diamond even, so exceptional is Château d’Ételan’s beauty, as much as its history.

Come along! Let us guide you

©Saint Maurice D Etelan October 2018 Chateau D Etelan 76 Visits Cultural Monument Boudier Family Drone Press|drone Press

©Saint Maurice D Etelan October 2018 Chateau D Etelan 76 Monument Culturel Ouvert Aux Visites Drone Press|Drone Press

A short distance from the picturesque village of Saint-Maurice-d’Ételan stands a castle whose construction began in 1494, two years after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, and was completed 20 years later.

It is one of the first, and probably even the first Renaissance castle to be built in France.

While little is known about the fortified castle that stood here before the end of the 15th century, we do, however, know a great deal about the history of the castle as it stands before you today.

A short distance from the picturesque village of Saint-Maurice-d’Ételan stands a castle whose construction began in 1494, two years after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, and was completed 20 years later.

It is one of the first, and probably even the first Renaissance castle to be built in France.

While little is known about the fortified castle that stood here before the end of the 15th century, we do, however, know a great deal about the history of the castle as it stands before you today.

A Family Saga at the service of history

It was King Louis XII’s chamberlain, Louis Picard d’Estelan, who launched its construction in the final years of the century, no doubt influenced by the Italian architecture he had discovered a few years earlier.

François I probably never came here, but it is highly likely that he heard of Château d’Ételan, particularly during his visit to the region to coincide with the construction of the port of Le Havre, which he ordered in 1717. Particularly as, at the same time, he was staying not far away, on the other bank of the Seine at Vatteville-la-Rue.

©Saint Maurice D Etelan 2007 Chateau Etelan Boudier Drawing|CSNT

©Saint Maurice D Etelan October 2018 Chateau D Etelan 76 Exterior Architecture Gardens Drone Press|Drone Press

©Saint Maurice D Etelan January 2024 Chateau D Etelan 76 Heritage Chapel Stained glass Csnt|CSNT

On the other hand, it is known that Catherine de Médicis came to Château d’Ételan. The year was 1563. The regent of the kingdom of France was in Le Havre to galvanise the Catholic troops opposing the Huguenots. After the victory, Catherine de Médicis, accompanied by her son, the future Charles IX, settled in Ételan and took advantage of her visit to Normandy to get Michel de l’Hospital and the Parliament of Rouen to reduce the royal age of majority from 14 to 13. Charles IX thus left the Château d’Ételan as King of France.

Other famous figures to have visited the Château d’Ételan include Voltaire and Gustave Eiffel.

©Saint Maurice D Etelan 2006 Chateau Etelan From The Park In A Soothing Setting Csnt|CSNT

But the story doesn't end there

During the Second World War, the German army’s veterinary services occupied the château. During this period, an accidental fire destroyed a large part of the building. The château was virtually abandoned to the point where it threatened to fall into ruin.

But in 1974, a family from Le Havre undertook to revive the castle and restore it to its former glory.

The Boudier family fell in love with the place. Jacques and Françoise Boudier, supported by their three sons, embark on a somewhat madcap adventure.

But make no mistake, this is not about the Boudier family becoming châtelain. No, the only thing that was going to guide them from then on was to enable Château d’Ételan to regain its grace and elegance. And this was to last for more than 30 years.

©Saint Maurice D Etelan January 2024 Chateau D Etelan 76 Premier Chateau Renaissance Temoignage History Csnt|CSNT

©Saint Maurice D Etelan Janvier 2024 Chateau D Etelan 76 Patrimoine Culturel Caux Seine Normandie Csnt|CSNT

©Saint Maurice D Etelan September 2021 Chateau D Etelan Angle View Garden Fog Csnt|CSNT

©Saint Maurice D Etelan Janvier 2024 Chateau D Etelan 76 Patrimoine Historique Chapelle Preservee Vitrail Csnt|CSNT

©Saint Maurice D Etelan Janvier 2024 Chateau Etelan Visite Exterieure Statue Patrimoine En Caux Seine Csnt|CSNT

©Saint Maurice D Etelan January 2024 Chateau Etelan Salon Gueridon Anecdocte Famille Boudier Csnt|CSNT

Renovation, Passion
and Transmission

Today, 50 years on, Jacques and Françoise Boudier are gone, but two of their three sons are continuing the work they started. Marc and Alain love to show visitors around this château with love and passion. They are the servants of a unique place where great history loves to rub shoulders with little.

The aim is still to maintain and bring to life this key local landmark, and it is now the third generation who are gradually taking over.