Step into history at Château de Balleroy in Normandy, where stunning architecture, art collections, and expansive gardens create an unforgettable cultural experience. Discover why this 17th-century castle is a must-see when visiting the region.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors; walking on flat and gentle slopes
Wildlife
History
The Château de Balleroy was built in the early 17th century by renowned architect François Mansart and has hosted notable visitors over centuries.
Conservation
The château and grounds are maintained with a focus on preserving the historical landscape and reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices.
Château de Balleroy
Step into history at Château de Balleroy in Normandy, where stunning architecture, art collections, and expansive gardens create an unforgettable cultural experience. Discover why this 17th-century castle is a must-see when visiting the region.
Château de Balleroy, located in Balleroy-sur-Drôme in Normandie, is a historic château open to visitors and offering a range of guided and self-guided experiences. The estate features a richly decorated château, diverse art and historical artifacts, and a museum dedicated to the history of balloons. Its surrounding 200-hectare park was designed in the romantic style of the 19th century and offers lawns, varied tree species, and picturesque perspectives of the castle.
Visitor options include guided château tours, guided château tours combined with park visits, guided tours of the park and gardens led by Manu, a gardener who shares landscape history and allows time for conversation and a drink; this garden tour is limited to 20 participants. The site also offers self-guided access to the museum of balloons and self-guided park visits for independent exploration. Group formats are available for guided château visits, museum visits, and park visits.
Château de Balleroy presents a blend of architecture, horticulture and museum exhibits that appeals to history and art enthusiasts, garden lovers, and groups seeking cultural outings. Programming emphasizes the historical fabric of the property, the curated museum collection about balloons, and the designed landscape of the park. Practical visitor information, including tour formats and group options, is provided by the château to plan visits and ensure a cohesive experience across the château, museum and park. Seasonal opening hours and ticketing conditions vary; visitors should consult the château's official information before planning visits to confirm availability, schedules and any group booking requirements well ahead.
Location
Balleroy-sur-Drôme, Normandie
Historic château and estate
Park Size
200 ha
19th-century romantic park
Tours Offered
9 experiences
Guided and self-guided formats
Garden Tour Limit
20 participants
Intimate guided gardening tour
Book guided tours, check seasonal openings, and combine château, museum and park visits for a complete cultural and garden experience in Balleroy-sur-Drôme.
Wear comfortable shoes
The château and park involve walking on uneven ground, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a camera
Capture the scenic views and intricate details of the château and its grounds.
Check tour times in advance
Guided tours and museum hours may vary seasonally, so plan accordingly.
Visit during good weather
Sunny days highlight the beauty of the park and make for a more enjoyable visit.
Comfortable shoes
Necessary for walking comfortably through the château and park grounds.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the stunning architecture and landscape.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor strolls.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring the grounds.