La Rivière Castle

La Rivière Castle, locally known as Château de la Rivière, lies in the farmlands near the village of Saint Jean-de-Daye in the Manche department in France.

La Rivière Castle was built around 1090 by Odon de Carteville, half-brother of William the Conqueror. At that time the castle was situated at the sea front.

At the end of the 13th century Geoffroy de Montenay, Lord of La Rivière, offered the monks of the priory of Saint-Fromond the revenue of 20 tournaments for the building of a private chapel in his castle. La Rivière Castle remained property of this family until 1462, when it was bought by Christophe de Cerisay.

From 1698, the castle belonged to the family of d'Argouges for several generations.

The last noble to occupy La Rivière Castle was the princess of Montmorency-Luxembourg, baroness of Hommet la Rivière in 1818. Several other owners followed.

At the end of the 20th century the castle was used as a camping site for naturists with Camping Club de France. It was already a ruin then. This camp site however ceased to be in around 2002. At present the castle ruin is very much overgrown. But there are still some remnants of its camping days.

A very nice castle ruin which feels like a discovery because of its present state and quiet location. I am also very interested in how the castle looked when it was used as a camp site, so if someone has pictures, please mail me.

The castle can not be visited as it is private property.

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