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    Normandy · France

    Château Coliving

    10–20 people · 10 private rooms

    Historic Castle

    A 12th-century authentic castle with aristocratic atmosphere, antique furnishings, clawfoot tubs, and centuries-old architecture that makes guests feel like they're "living like royalty" and "out of time."

    Normandy Grounds

    Expansive estate surrounded by forest and green meadows featuring stork nests with flying storks, palm trees, hammocks, deer sightings, and grounds that guests describe as "shimmering with magic."

    WWII History

    Located in the heart of Normandy's WWII corridor with the castle itself serving as former Nazi headquarters, offering history enthusiasts immersive access to Juno Beach and other significant historical sites.

    French Culinary

    Authentic French food culture with affordable access to finest local cheeses and wines, ultra-fresh seafood dinners, and the beloved tradition of Sunday morning crepes that guests rave about.


    Websitechateaucoliving.comGoogle Maps4.8(120)InstagramInstagramFacebookFacebookEmailwelcome@chateaucoliving.com

    About Château Coliving

    An authentic 12th century castle meets the remote work revolution in the heart of Normandy. Château Coliving combines the lush aristocratic setting of a historic castle with the easy going and friendly atmosphere of a coliving, offering location independent professionals the space and quietness to concentrate on their projects without missing out on social life and fun activities.

    Origin story

    Katia and Emmanuel embarked on an incredible journey that took them from leaving their corporate lives behind to managing large-scale humanitarian projects and animal rescue actions, to running a design business as digital nomads while meeting diverse and incredible people along the way. After 10 eventful and turbulent years together - being broke, misfitting, being reckless, taking crazy risks - they finally restored a 12th century castle to start this next chapter called Château Coliving. The project combines all of their passions into one amazing human adventure, with the goal to break the clichés about nobility and nomadism alike, preserve and share the fascinating history of this place, their passion for travel, and their love for animals and nature, in a friendly atmosphere with wonderful people, without expectations, pretensions or judgement.

    Community philosophy

    Château Coliving embraces diversity and inclusion, welcoming people of different ages, races, nationalities, sexual orientations, backgrounds, professions, and interests. The community values balance and harmony - finding the right equilibrium between work and life, between traditions and modernity, between nature and technology, between emotional and rational.

    The coliving operates on a co-creation model where events are powered and facilitated by colivers themselves. Every Monday evening, the community gathers for "Family Meeting" to plan the coming week together, with everyone encouraged to propose and organize events. The approach emphasizes giving before taking, with the philosophy that "In Coliving and in most communities, it is essential to give before you take. So in doubt, Give."

    Hosts

    I'm Katia and my super power is bringing amazing people together! I was born in Bulgaria and then life took me places, 50+ countries to be more precise, in 7 of which I lived for longer than a year together with the two loves of my life – my partner Emmanuel and our rescue cat – Gipsy.

    After 10 incredible, eventful and turbulent years together – being broke, misfitting, being reckless, taking crazy risks… we went from leaving our corporate lives behind, to managing large-scale humanitarian projects & animal rescue actions, to running a design business as digital nomads while meeting the most diverse and incredible people along the way and to finally restoring a 12th century castle to start this next chapter called Chateau Coliving. A project combining all of our passions into one amazing human adventure.

    Our goal is to break the clichés about nobility and nomadism alike. To preserve & share the fascinating history of this place, our passion for travel, our love for animals and nature, in a friendly atmosphere with wonderful people, without expectations, pretensions or judgement.

    So, come as you are! Can't wait to meet you!

    Hi, I'm Jeanne in charge of the community, marketing and events at Château Coliving! If you had asked 14 yo me what was her dream life, she would have answered to live dozens of different lives on each continent. Procrastinating on that dream, I started to study communication and became an event manager. I loved the idea of bringing people together around a special moment that they would hopefully remember. Many years later, with my teenage dreams still in mind, I left my Parisian apartment and became a slowmad. I started wandering in Europe until I discovered the concept of coliving and something I didn't know I needed, a sense of community. Fast forward to early 2022 when I encountered the place I now call home: Château Coliving. There's something magic about the place, the nature around, the food, the region… but mostly about the incredible humans that I've met here. And I'm looking forward to meeting you as well!

    Hello,

    My name is Kevin, born and raised in a small town called Eelde in the Northern Netherlands. I'm the oldest of three boys, and I'm half French as my mother was born in Pont-l'Évêque, France. So my roots lie here in Normandy.

    At the Chateau, I'm the Community Manager who takes care of the place in a practical sense and makes sure that every coliver feels at home. My partner in crime is Rolando, and we're working on many different projects in and around the castle, while blasting some techno music or chatting away about life. I really enjoy meeting new people from all over the world, sharing experiences and learning from other cultures.

    A little bit about myself: I love sports. One of my passions is football and some say that I'm a walking football encyclopaedia. Before I left Groningen, I successfully obtained my degrees as a Sales Specialist and Retail Manager, and after working 12,5 years in retail management, for a Dutch supermarket, it was time for a (big) change.

    In the beginning of 2023, I started travelling through France with my partner, volunteering through Worldpackers and living in rural parts. Six months and loads of new experiences later, I got in touch with Katia about an Erasmus opportunity, which opened the door to a new world of coliving and the castle. This fruitful exchange made me fall in love with the castle and community. And now, I am permanently part of the team and living my best castle life.

    You'll mostly find me with my fellow team mates Bob and Rolando around the property.

    Rosie is the team member that has been working for the Chateau the longest – before it was even a coliving! She has been with us through thick and thin, back from the days when it was working as a fancy guesthouse through the madness of covid, the rapid change of course when it became a coliving and to this day when nomads from around the world are enjoying the space and the casual pleasant kitchen chat with her. She is taking (impeccable) care of the cleanliness and tidiness of the house, which with our size is not something to be taken lightly!

    Rosie is not a nomad herself, but she bravely left her home country – England more than 10 years ago to settle down with her family in Normandy and fully took on the challenge of living and raising children in a foreign country.

    Being a native English speaker is of course a big plus, because she can freely communicate with all colivers and sometimes join our activities. If you see her around – say hi, don't be shy!

    Hi, I'm Roxy, I'm a nomadic cat – born in Brittany, France. I travel with my parents, Katia & Emmanuel.

    At my young age, I'm already Chief Happiness Officer at Château Coliving.

    You can say you come for the castle, or the community, but we all know you're coming for me.

    Rating

    10/10 Excellent
    Based on 31 reviews

    Key Points

    Family-like Bonds

    Multiple guests describe the community as transforming strangers into family, with deep emotional connections that persist beyond their stay.

    Lifelong Friendships

    Guests consistently report forming meaningful, lasting friendships that continue after their stay, with some even collaborating professionally.

    Extended Stays

    Guests frequently stay for 4-6 weeks or longer, with many extending their stays and returning multiple times, indicating strong community pull.

    Rapid Integration

    The community structure facilitates quick bonding, with guests reporting feeling close and connected within the first week.

    Community Depth

    Guests describe an open-minded, sociable community with strong camaraderie that goes beyond surface-level interactions.

    Key Points

    Named Staff Recognition

    Community managers are frequently mentioned by name with specific praise for their role in creating the community experience.

    Active Community Building

    Staff actively facilitate community formation through welcoming processes, helping groups bond authentically and quickly.

    Organized Activities

    Staff organize regular community activities including weekly dinners, weekend outings, and daily activities that bring guests together.

    Resident Empowerment

    The team empowers residents to take ownership of community activities through shared planning and team-based responsibilities.

    Key Points

    Space Balance

    The chateau offers an ideal balance between communal areas for gathering and private spaces for solitude, creating a cozy yet spacious environment.

    Multiple Gathering Spaces

    The property features diverse communal spaces including a fireplace area, TV room, grand dining hall, kitchen, and extensive outdoor grounds.

    Full-House Gatherings

    Regular full-house gatherings occur in shared spaces, particularly for weekly dinners and Sunday morning crepes, fostering whole-community connection.

    Kitchen Flow

    Despite 22 colivers, the kitchen accommodates different schedules well, creating natural opportunities for casual social interactions without overcrowding.

    Aesthetic Appeal

    Guests express genuine enthusiasm for the beauty and character of the spaces, from individual rooms to the overall castle atmosphere.

    Key Points

    Dedicated Coworking Space

    The chateau features a dedicated, spacious coworking area that guests consistently praise for its size and functionality.

    Internet Reliability

    Multiple guests specifically mention fast and reliable WiFi throughout the property, including in individual rooms.

    Productive Environment

    Guests report a stress-free, inspiring work environment where productivity flows naturally without distractions or discomfort.

    Flexible Work Spaces

    Beyond the main coworking area, guests have access to quiet nooks and spacious rooms that provide additional options for focused work.

    Key Points

    Cooking Together Culture

    Strong culture of communal cooking and dining with regular weekly dinners, Sunday crepes, and shared meals that bring the community together.

    Kitchen Size

    The kitchen is described as large enough to accommodate the community, with space for multiple people and natural flow despite 22 colivers.

    Grocery Support

    Staff facilitate twice-weekly grocery pickup, making it easier for guests to access cooking supplies.

    Key Points

    Room Quality

    Guests consistently praise the spacious, beautiful rooms with abundant natural light and charming character.

    Overall Comfort

    Guests describe the chateau as cozy, comfortable, and homey, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes them feel at home.

    Potential Issues

    Rustic Character

    One guest notes the facilities are rustic with lived-in antique furniture, framing this as charming character rather than a deficiency, with expectations properly set.

    Key Points

    Room Comfort

    Guests express enthusiasm about their sleeping accommodations, describing rooms as dream-like and special.
    Read all reviews on Google Maps

    Work

    Main workspace
    150sq m fully equipped workspace/event room with comfortable ergonomic chairs, beautiful view to nature, library with books in many languages, large screen for presentations, printer/scanner, sound system, all in a newly restored room with castle character and charm
    Call spaces
    3-4 private call rooms/booths - 3 custom built call booths in the workspace area plus additional private call rooms in the main castle
    Alternative workspaces
    All common areas including dining room, living room, hallways, nooks, and all bedrooms are suitable for work and calls

    Equipment

    Monitors
    2 large 24-inch monitors available for monthly rental at 60 Euro per month on a first-come, first-served basis
    Ergonomic chairs
    Comfortable ergonomic chairs provided in the workspace
    Coffee & tea
    Tea and freshly brewed coffee are free throughout the day

    Internet

    Broadband
    175 Mbps
    Internet connection with speeds between 100-250 Mbps, available in all rooms, common areas, and outdoor vicinity of the castle
    Wi-Fi coverage
    Fast wi-fi throughout the property

    Meals

    Sunday crêpesEvery sunday
    Included
    Delicious home-made French crêpes buffet
    Thursday dinnerEvery thursday
    Family dinner where everyone cooks, eats and has a good time together
    Family dinnersVaries
    Optional family dinners and BBQs organized by the community

    Groceries

    Nearby vendors

    Large supermarket (8min drive)
    Super U supermarket in Saint Mere Eglise, 7-10 minutes by car from the castle
    Large supermarket (8min drive)
    Leclerc supermarket in Carentan les Marais, 7-10 minutes by car from the castle
    Large supermarket (8min drive)
    Carrefour supermarket in Carentan les Marais, 7-10 minutes by car from the castle
    Farmers market
    Local farmer's market for fresh produce, visited on Thursday mornings

    Organized trips & deliveries

    Shopping trips
    Grocery shopping trips on Monday and Thursday mornings where residents can join or place online orders for pickup. Thursday trips include visits to the local farmer's market for fresh produce followed by supermarket shopping.
    Grocery deliveries
    Online ordering available for pickup during organized shopping trips, bi-weekly pickup service for individual online orders
    Websitechateaucoliving.comGoogle Maps4.8(120)InstagramInstagramFacebookFacebookEmailwelcome@chateaucoliving.com

    Activities

    Family Dinners

    Weekly group dinners and shared communal meals in the grand dining hall, creating strong community bonds. Thursday night community dinners are a highlight, featuring farm-fresh local ingredients and bringing together the entire coliving community for memorable shared experiences.

    8 mentions in reviews

    Day Trips

    Weekend outings exploring adorable medieval towns, rugged coastline, and cultural sites throughout Normandy. Popular destinations include D-day beaches like Juno Beach, Mont Saint-Michel, seaside towns like Barneville-Carteret, and charming historic villages in the region.

    7 mentions in reviews

    Game Nights

    Board games and interactive entertainment in the shared areas of the castle. Features creative games like real-life Among Us, traditional board games, and various group entertainment activities that bring the community together for fun evenings.

    6 mentions in reviews

    Movie Nights

    Movie screenings in shared areas around the big TV and outdoor movie nights under the stars. Community gathers to watch films together, creating cozy shared experiences in the castle's atmospheric setting.

    6 mentions in reviews

    Nature Walks

    Walks through 80 hectares of private parkland, rivers, and wildlife areas surrounding the 12th-century castle. The grounds shimmer with magic and offer peaceful promenades through forest and green meadows, perfect for reconnecting with nature.

    5 mentions in reviews

    Cycling

    Bike rides around the property and throughout the Normandy region with bikes available to borrow. Guests enjoy cycling through the scenic countryside and exploring the beautiful landscapes surrounding the castle.

    4 mentions in reviews

    Hiking

    Access to hiking trails and guided hikes in the Normandy region. Guests enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the area through various hiking opportunities in the surrounding countryside.

    4 mentions in reviews

    Campfires

    Bonfire evenings with special bonfire place and 50sq.m tent for outdoor gatherings. Community members enjoy cozy nights around the fire, sharing stories and creating memorable experiences in the castle grounds.

    4 mentions in reviews

    Rooms

    Single Room

    Single bed
    Up to 1 guest
    Private bathroom

    Lovely large rooms with private bathrooms, some with both bathtub and shower. The real castle experience with large, stylish beds, refined decor and a view of the Castle Park. All rooms have desks for working, soft seating areas with armchairs perfect for reading or having tea and conversation. Big windows allowing plenty of light into the room.

    Single Room

    Single bed
    Up to 1 guest
    Shared bathroom

    Private rooms just as spacious as deluxe ones. Each bedroom shares a bathroom with one other standard room only, with private access directly from the room (no need to go into hallway). Large shared bathrooms have both shower and large bathtub with amazing view over park and marshes. Some rooms have double beds with option for additional single bed, others have king-size canopy beds. All equipped with desks and plenty of storage space.

    Single Room

    Single bed
    Up to 1 guest
    Shared bathroom

    Much smaller rooms located on the top floor of the castle, with shared bathroom in the hallway (no private access).

    Studio

    Up to 2 guests
    Private bathroom

    Freshly renovated studio apartment located on ground floor of 17th century Manor house. Composed of one big bedroom, private kitchen and private bathroom. Possibility to add extra bed for child and/or cot bed. Family and pet friendly.

    Apartment

    Up to 2 guests
    Private bathroom

    Beautifully renovated apartment on ground floor of Manor house. Has double bedroom, living room with convertible sofa, kitchen in living room, private bathroom and direct access to garden. Possibility for cot bed to be added. Family and pet friendly.

    Apartment

    Up to 9 guests
    Private bathroom

    Largest apartment ideal for larger family or group of friends. Located on first floor of Manor house. Includes living room with big dining table and soft seating area (convertible sofa), fully equipped kitchen and third bathroom with bathtub. Family and pet friendly.

    Location

    Château de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France

    The Château de L'Isle Marie is situated in the heart of Normandy, surrounded by 80 hectares of parkland, rivers, and wildlife. This authentic 12th century castle is set amidst picturesque landscapes steeped in history, with lush green nature where cows and horses occasionally pass by.

    The location offers a serene and inspiring environment, combining the charm of ancient history with natural beauty. The property is easily accessible from Paris and the UK, making it a convenient retreat while maintaining its secluded, aristocratic setting in the French countryside.

    Getting Around

    Not walkable
    Rural setting with 80-hectare private park for walks, but daily necessities require driving
    Reviews: Guests love the peaceful rural location and extensive grounds for nature walks, but acknowledge you need a car for shopping and exploring beyond the property
    Property bikes
    Free bicycles available on property (condition not guaranteed, may need minor repairs)
    Destinations: 80-hectare private park with rivers, wildlife viewing (deer, storks, horses), local countryside exploration
    Reviews: Guests enjoy bike rides around the beautiful grounds and mention cycling as part of their activities, though bikes may need occasional maintenance
    Car rental
    Multiple rental options: Oui car, Getaround, Super U, Leclerc, Carrefour rental services, or share rentals with other colivers
    Destinations: Barneville-Carteret seaside resort (30 min), Normandy beaches, historical sites, local farmer's markets, regional towns and villages
    Reviews: Essential for exploring the area - guests frequently mention day trips to beaches, medieval towns, D-Day sites, and Mont Saint-Michel using cars or organized château trips

    Getting There

    How to get to Château Coliving from the nearest transportation hubs:

    Paris Gare de St Lazare Train Station

    €20
    1. Take SNCF train from Gare de St Lazare to Carentan
    2. From Carentan station, either:
      • Book a taxi to Château de L'Isle Marie
      • Contact château for organized transfer (must be between 8:30 AM and 10 PM)

    Transfer fee is €20 when organized by the château. Taxi services available for arrivals outside 8:30 AM - 10 PM window. Train booking available at https://www.sncf.com/en

    Paris (general)

    1. Drive from Paris to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville
    2. Plenty of safe parking space available on property

    Lots of safe parking space on the property.

    1. Book ride on blablacar.fr
    2. Travel to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Blablacar carpooling service is very popular in France and recommended by the château.

    Cherbourg Ferry Terminal

    1. Take ferry to Cherbourg
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Closest ferry terminal to the château. Several convenient ferry lines available from the UK.

    Caen Ferry Terminal

    1. Take ferry to Caen
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Convenient ferry lines available from the UK.

    Le Havre Ferry Terminal

    1. Take ferry to Le Havre
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Ferry lines available from the UK.

    Caen Airport

    1. Fly to Caen Airport (not to be mistaken with Cannes!)
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Direct flights available from the south of France. Closest airport to the château.

    Rennes Airport

    1. Fly to Rennes Airport
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Beauvais Airport

    1. Fly to Beauvais Airport
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    Low cost international flights available.

    Paris Orly Airport

    1. Fly to Paris Orly Airport
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    All international flights available.

    Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

    1. Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
    2. Drive to Château de L'Isle Marie, 50360 Picauville

    All international flights available.

    Policies

    Stay restrictions

    28 nights minimum

    Guest restrictions

    Children allowed

    Children under 12 years old are welcome in our apartments in the 17th-century Manor house, which is located just across the main castle. Children of any age are not allowed in the coworking area. Children should not be left unattended at anytime and must be accompanied by an adult.

    Pets may be allowed

    Pets welcome in Manor house only (1min from castle) for 150 euros/month extra cleaning fee. Must contact before booking.

    Payment & cancellation policy

    Booking

    Prepayment (50%)

    50% deposit due at booking to confirm reservation

    10+ days
    before check-in

    No refund

    Deposit is non-refundable

    Less than 10 days
    before check-in

    No refund

    Full payment required if cancelled 10 days or less prior to arrival

    Check-in
    2 days
    after check-in

    Payment (full)

    Remaining 50% automatically charged 2 days after check-in date

    Check-out

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Arriving at the Château

    Transport

    Meals

    Pets

    Facilities and Amenities

    Community and What to Do Around

    Bookings & Cancellation