Château de Canon

The 18th-century Château de Canon is known for its immaculately preserved park, designed with both French and English elements and home to well-kept flowerbeds, wild groves and period structures.

Site History & Significance

The Italian-style Château de Canon was created in the 18th century by Jean-Baptiste Elie de Beaumont, a prominent lawyer of the Enlightenment era and a friend of Voltaire. It has remained in the same family since then. During the Second World War, it housed a German military hospital and suffered damages from American bombings on its outbuildings.

The château’s park, which holds the prestigious “Remarkable Garden” label, is notable for its well-kept flowerbeds, wild groves and period structures (such as Chinese kiosks and a Greco-Roman temple) whose composition has remained unchanged since the mid-18th century. Referred to as a transitional garden, it is designed with elements of both French and English styles and abounds with streams, waterfalls and canals. The park is also known for the “Chartreuses,” a series of walled gardens entirely planted with perennials, serving as a true open-air greenhouse.

About the Restoration Project

The ongoing restoration of the park poses a major challenge due to the multitude of architectural elements present and the constant maintenance they require. The FHS grant supports restoration of the red Chinese kiosk, one of the park’s emblematic features. Installed in 1781 above the water, the kiosk has miraculously survived the centuries despite its fragility. It occupies a central position in the park, gracefully animating the major east-west axis that structures the gardens.

The last restoration, in 2015, primarily focused on the upper parts and the roof of the structure. Today, the kiosk shows signs of deterioration throughout its lower sections, particularly as regards the balustrades, crosspieces and corner posts. In accordance with the plans established in collaboration with the Direction régionale des affaires culturelles, the current work entails a complete restoration of these lower parts, as well as repainting to preserve the integrity of the structure before the arrival of winter. This project aims to ensure the longevity and beauty of this historical landmark at the heart of the Canon park.

Château de Canon Today

The Château de Canon has been open to visitors since 1982 and welcomes approximately 25,000 people annually. Throughout the year, it organizes guided tours and themed weekends for both adults and children. The château places environmental causes at the core of its activities and is a must-visit stop along the Pays d’Auge cycling route.