Beautiful monument of the Renaissance castle Tourlaville (also known as Castle Ravalet) overlooks the valley Trottebec. Long neglected, the elegant castle was the center of a case of incest and a mysterious murder.
History of Chateau of Tourlaville
Medieval manor belonging to the royal domain, it was sold by Francis. John II of Raval, lord of Tourlaville, acquires and builds on the manor which only the ruins of the old tower remains, a Renaissance castle, which he offers to his nephew, John III. It was home to the incestuous love of Julian and Margaret of Raval, children of John III, who earned them to be beheaded in the Place de Greve, Paris, December 2, 1603.
Following serious financial problems, selling the Raval area at Charles de Franquetot in 1653 that enhances the interior before I die murdered at the hands of his valet. It then passes from owner to owner, whose Crosville of Boudet and Fouquet Reville, becoming a farm in 1661. Clérel Hervé de Tocqueville, Alexis de Tocqueville’s father, took possession in 1777. His grand-son, Rene de Tocqueville, lord mayor of the town, then renovating the building, landscape the grounds and gardens (including a cave), and built a large greenhouse. But he was forced to sell it in 1906.
Used as a hospital during the First World War, the castle is listed as a historic monument in 1930. The town of Cherbourg is acquiring the estate in 1935. It is occupied by the German army during the Second World War and American troops in the Liberation.
The castle (open only during certain periods, particularly during Heritage Days), Park (open to the public) and the greenhouse (1873-1875) are classified historic monument since 1996.
Visit free and open to all without reservation.
Chateau of Tourlaville