The château de Pirou : a medieval gem

Discover this legendary site
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Do you love fairy tales, Viking sagas and medieval fortresses? Then head off to explore the Château de Pirou, just a short distance from Coutances, and step into a world of legend! The well-preserved medieval walls of the Château de Pirou hold some ancient treasures. The stone keep, historic buildings and unusual tapestry will take you back in time, while the old stones still tell the famous legend of the Pirou geese.

To discover all the must-see castles in La Manche, head this way.

A stronghold that takes you back to the Middle Ages

Lieu Pirou

Welcome to the 12th century at the Château de Pirou, set in the heart of a Viking site not far from the sea. Protecting the surrounding inlet, the castle once stood against invasions from the sea.

Go through the five fortified gates of this gem of medieval architecture. The path will take you around the central moat to the defensive gates that open onto one of the best preserved sites in Normandy.

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The legend of the Pirou geese

During your visit to the Château de Pirou, you’ll hear the story of the Pirou geese, a popular legend dating back to the Scandinavian invasions. An enchanted spellbook, a mysterious transformation and a Viking atmosphere: all the ingredients for the magic to work!

Enjoy this bewitching tale, said to explain why wild geese stop in La Manche every year on their annual migration. Pause at the foot of the ramparts, look up to the sky and let your imagination do the rest!

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The embroidered cloth of Pirou 

a historical tapestry made in La Manche

Exhibited in the Château de Pirou, the Pirou Tapestry is an impressive embroidered cloth telling the story of the conquest of southern Italy and Sicily by the Hauteville brothers from the Cotentin peninsula. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, this embroidery took 16 years to complete and is well worth a look during your visit to the Château. You’ll be amazed by the level of detail of this work, produced with the Bayeux stitch technique. The colourful, whimsical characters will take you on an epic journey!

Practical information

  • The Château de Pirou is open to visitors throughout the year (except on Mondays and Tuesdays outside school holidays and on certain public holidays).
  • You can explore the château at your own pace, using the explanatory panels provided (allow around one hour).
  • Guided and themed tours are also available, as well as fun activities for families: “storm the castle” and “defend your castle”.

The Château de Pirou

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