The story of Château de la Râpée began in 1825. It used to be a manor house built amidst a gargantuan estate of 1,300 hectares (13 sq km). The family's wealth came primarily from the coal industry. However, they fell into decline over subsequent generations. In February 1973, the chateau was acquired by Josette and Robert Bergeron. Although the initial effort was painstaking, they were able to preserve and restore the property. They opened the hotel's restaurant a few months later in July 1973. Through hard work and tenacity, the Bergerons eventually expanded the hotel, adding more facilities and rooms. The picturesque chateau has attracted celebrities who became its guests, including music icons such as Annie Lennox, and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics.

Design and Architecture

Keeping with the chateau's original design, the exterior is a distinguished Anglo-Norman style of architecture, heavily influenced by Romanesque conventions. You'll find dark wooden furniture and vintage details inside. Ornate chandeliers also add to the old-world charm. Despite the sharp edges and now-faded shades of the walls and roof, the chateau has a homey ambiance befitting a warm and welcoming country home.

Over at Château de la Râpée's signature restaurant, Chef Philippe Bergeron has made it his mission to deliver a unique and pleasurable experience for the senses. His expertise brings out the finest qualities of regional delicacies, enhanced by his choice of aromatics and spices. Don't miss out on their seasonal specials but feel free to find yourself a comfort food that you'll love to have multiple servings of as well.

Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm (lunch), 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm; closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for non-hotel guests

Reservations: Bookings can made through the hotel's telephone number.

For those among you dreaming of a destination wedding in France, Château de la Râpée would be happy to host your special celebration. Your ideas and fantasies will be in good hands with Michele Bergeron, the hotel's professional certified wedding planner. She will be advising you and helping with the logistics of the event, as well as aiding you in budgeting and setting expectations. For the big day, she'll also be around to lend a hand with arrangements and handling of guests.

Cultural Experiences

Château de la Râpée isn't just a charming historic hotel, it can also become an attraction for the area. Look forward to promotional group activities such as Murder Mystery Parties and Escape Rooms. These can be arranged especially if you're traveling with a group, such as a company trip, but will require booking and preparation. Now for excursions around the region, you can find plenty of heritage sites to visit, such as Gisors Castle in the nearby commune of Gisors.

If you're a dairy lover, then you shouldn't miss a visit to Musée de la Ferme de Rome in Bézu-la-Forêt, as this museum specializes in the dairy industry of France, particularly in making butter and cheese.

Other Celebrations

Private events can be made bespoke if you reach out to the management. They can prepare a seminar room for groups, as well as make arrangements for personalized affairs. If you're planning something more private, you should reach out and see if they can assist you in celebrating something such as a birthday or anniversary.