Dreaming of Chateau La Cheneviere

Every little girl dreams of growing up, getting married, and living in a French chateau. At least, that was one of my many fairytale dreams, and one of the reasons why I love to visit and stay at the La Cheneviere in Normandy. A gorgeous home with an enchanting pathway entry, you will feel pampered the moment you step foot into the luxurious La Cheneviere.

In the 17th century, the property was dedicated to the cultivation of hemp for rope and clothing for fishermen, and it was not until the 18th century that the Gosset family built a large estate and farm. The premises housed many broodmares and foals, and they were kept in the great stables – now converted into guesthouses! – until they were sent to the famous yearling sales in Deauville.

During WWII and beginning in 1940, the Germans occupied La Cheneviere. An administrative unit lived on the property, and although soldiers would often stay in the outbuildings, the main house was a strategic headquarters for high-ranking German offices. Because of the size of the property, many vehicles were stored on-site as well as many as 80 horses. Several telecommunication posts were established throughout the grounds and area.

Armand Lapierre, resistance fighter and member of the Reseau Alliance network, participated in the “Grand Coupure,” or the great interruption, prior to the D-Day landings of June 6. This operation aimed to disrupt and destroy German communication line, and played an important part in paving the way for the landings. Lapierre led his group, “Guillot,” to the La Cheneviere in the early hours of June 5, 1944. The resistance fighters accomplished cutting all of the German communication lines on the property. They went on to the surrounding areas cutting several transmission posts on the coastline of Colville-sur-Mer. Following the landings, the Germans evacuated the house, and Britain’s Royal Army Service Corps moved in. La Cheneviere and the village of Port-en-Bessin became a fueling station and assistance to the military operations.

In 1988, after being in the Gosset family for 133 years, the property was purchased by Marie-Francoise and Thomas Dicker. Named the La Cheneviere, meaning “the hemp field,” this five-star hotel is now considered one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The exceptional gastronomic experience is one of the best in all of Normandy, and the wine list is extensive. The rooms are all gorgeous, no matter what the category, and the grounds are immaculate. Recently, the La Cheneviere built a new conference center, and we have used it for receptions and lectures. However, to give honor and thanks to the servicemen of the Second World War, La Cheneviere has placed large, framed photos of veterans throughout the walls of the conference center. On June 4, 2016, they also placed a plaque on the grounds to commemorate Armand Lapierre and his valiant actions as a member of the resistance.

La Cheneviere is one of the properties we use for our luxury Normandy and the Seine river cruise. For those that are interested in luxury WWII travel, click the link below to learn more. If you are ever in Normandy on your own, I highly suggest you stay or dine at the Chateau La Cheneviere. You won’t ever want to leave!