Victot-Pontfol
Victot-Pontfol is a small village along the cider route of only 85 inhabitants.
Victot is famous for its castle, church, stud farms (6 in total !) and the local cider and calvados producer, « Domaine Dupont ».
Visit
1- The castle & stud-farm of Victot Pontfol
Château de Victot, Route de Cabourg, 14430 Victot-Pontfol (opposite Saint-Denis Church).
This castle is only visible from the road :
This is a private property that cannot be visited but which is worth a quick look !
This castle and stud-farm is one of the most beautiful and sumptuous in the Pays d’Auge, boasting prestigious half-timbered stables and a 16th-century castle (1574). It features a distinctive checkerboard pattern of stones and bricks, a slate wood roof and moats topped by a drawbridge.
A true gem of local architecture !
THE HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY IN BRIEF…
Acquired in 1798 by Pierre Aumont who transformed it into a stud farm, this castle has a rich heritage. Aumont served as the principal supplier of horses to Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grande Armée.
Following his passing in 1836, his son Pierre-Alexandre established a renowned racing stable on the premises. Designated as a ‘Historic Monument‘ in 1953, the property gained further prominence when, in 2014, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani, uncle of the Emir of Qatar, purchased it for 6.5 million euros from descendants of the Aumont family.
Encompassing 130 hectares, the Victot-Pontfol stud farm has been associated with notable figures, including billionaire art dealer Daniel Wildenstein.
2- Saint Denis Church of Victot-Pontfol
Eglise Saint Denis, La Route du Cidre, 14430 Victot-Pontfol.
A pretty church along the roadside catches the eye with its colorful facade, yet information about its history is scarce…
Certain sections of the north side’s walls likely date back to the Romanesque period, though many were reconstructed when modern windows were installed.
The remainder of the church likely spans various periods, appearing more contemporary. The present bell tower constructed of wood and topped with slate features a square base and an elegantly slender spire.
My Good Tip !
Another beautiful chapel awaits your visit in the village !
Take a short 3-minute drive from Saint-Denis Church via D49 and D16 to reach the quaint Saint-Martin Chapel (Chapelle Saint-Martin de Pontfol, 14430 Victot-Pontfol) : the chapel stands as a remnant of the old church of Pontfol which was originally known as the church of Authieux-sur-Corbon (the village was renamed Victot-Pontfol in 1858). Unfortunately, the church was demolished in the early 19th century.
