Château Anquetil, also known as Château des Elfes, in La Neuville-Chant-d'Oisel

Located in the town of La Neuville-Chant-d'Oisel, in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region of France, is Château Anquetil, also known as Château des Elfes. Its construction dates back to the nineteenth century, and it is located in the south-east of the town center. Initially, this castle was the main residence of Jules Maupassant (1795-1875), a tobacco entrepreneur in Rouen. In 1833, Maupassant had acquired an estate of 130 hectares, including the forest of Longboël which had then become a national property. It was only two years later that he decided to build an Italian-style house on this estate.

Château Anquetil has hosted many artists, including Jules Maupassant's grandson, Guy de Maupassant, and Gustave Flaubert. In 1869, the castle was bought by Louis Pottevin, painter and cousin of Guy de Maupassant, who sold it to Mr Lenepveu-Decaux in 1872. In 1874, the architect Emile Janet made some transformations, including the addition of a second floor and a wing.

Château Anquetil changed ownership again in 1924 when Mr Lenepveu-Decaux sold it to Jacques Wattebled. In 1961, the famous cyclist Jacques Anquetil (1934-1987) acquired the castle and established his residence there in 1969. The castle was then renamed the Castle of the Elves.

Today, Château Anquetil is open to visitors and offers guest rooms and a cottage. Tourists can enjoy the charm and history of this emblematic place in the Normandy region. For more information, it is possible to consult the official website of Château Anquetil.