Château de Créully

Château de Créully

Château de Créully is a castle built in the 11th and 12th centuries, located in the Créully region of Lower Normandy, France.

Throughout its long history, the castle has been continuously modified. Around 1360, during the Hundred Years' War, it was transformed into a defensive fortress. In the years that followed, the castle was repeatedly damaged and rebuilt by both the British and French forces who occupied it. In the 14th century, the castle tower was constructed, a watchtower was added in the 15th century, and a drawbridge erected, which was removed in the 16th century. By the end of the war in 1450, ownership of the castle returned to the Baron of Créully. In 1461, King Louis XI of the French Valois dynasty ordered the castle to be demolished purely out of jealousy. Legend has it that when Louis XI passed through Créully in 1471, he was so warmly welcomed by the locals that he had the castle rebuilt as a gesture of gratitude.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Créully family carried out further renovations. Over 20 barons from this family owned the Château de Créully successfully between 1035 and 1682. During the French Revolution in 1789, the castle was confiscated and later sold to various wealthy landowners. In 1946, the commune of Créully took up residence in the castle. Today, the Château de Créully is listed as a French historical monument, with its halls used for hosting various events, including weddings, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.

It is worth mentioning that from June to July 21, 1944, the castle’s tower was used as a field communication post and radio studio by the BBC, from where news of Operation Overlord was broadcast to the world. For several weeks in August 1944, British Field Marshal Montgomery used the Château de Créully as his command headquarters, and British Prime Minister Churchill visited him there on multiple occasions.

Château de Creully

Must-visit reason: The oldest castle in the Créully region

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Lower Normandy Region [Lower Normandy Region]