A protected beech grove stretching for almost a kilometre, a park dominated by a Lebanon cedar, and Guy de Maupassant’s childhood give Miromesnil in Tourville-Sur-Arques several different facets. The grove contains around 3,500 beech trees; some reach heights of up to 40 metres. The garden, park and historical connections each offer a different focus for a visit.
Biographical traces and the chapel’s history
Guy de Maupassant lived as a child at Château de Miromesnil, which his mother rented. On 17 August 1851, he was baptised by Abbé Sury in Église Saint-Martin. The place is thus connected to two distinct events in his life: the château as his childhood home and the church as the site of his baptism.
The Chapelle Saint-Antoine-l’Ermite also has a long construction history: it was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside are four polychrome stone figures dating from the 16th century. Those interested in the chapel can explore both its period of construction and the time when the figures were created.
Beech grove, park and vegetable garden
The beech grove contains around 3,500 trees and has been preserved in its entirety. Some of the beech trees reach heights of up to 40 metres. In the park of Château de Miromesnil, 17th-century brick walls enclose the grounds, while a two-hundred-year-old Lebanon cedar dominates the park. The rows of trees and the older park design offer different perspectives on the Miromesnil landscape.
The vegetable garden tells the story of another transformation of the estate. Its present-day design was created by Simone de Vogüé after the Second World War. She was the grandmother of the current owner. Before that, the garden was initially used to supply food. This history describes past uses and the garden’s later design, not a current food offering.
Planning your visit
You can visit the gardens of Miromesnil independently; the chapel and the château interior, however, can only be visited on a guided tour. Depending on the option selected, the chapel may be included in a tour of the estate. The vegetable garden may also be included in certain guided tours. Before travelling, check the current options and which areas are covered by the tour you choose. This will help you tailor your visit to the garden, chapel or château interior.
Two details are useful for cycling: the Miromesnil estate has the Accueil Vélo cycle-friendly label, and a voie verte—a traffic-free greenway—is less than one kilometre from Château de Miromesnil. If you are planning to cycle during your trip, check the available cycling services and local route conditions before you arrive. These details offer different starting points for planning your stay, without implying a specific route.
Discover more destinations: Morgny-La-Pommeraie, Bouelles, Notre-Dame-De-Bliquetuit, La Haye, Senneville-Sur-Fécamp, Fontaine-le-Bourg, Riville, Autigny.
Return to the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
