Fecamp Castle

Fecamp Castle in Normandy is an important medieval fortification which was once home to the powerful dukes of Normandy.

The castle was founded around 932AD by William I of Normandy (also known as William Longsword) and it remained as the residence of the Dukes of Normandy up until 1204 after which the Norman Duchy was integrated within the French royal domain.

The castle was the birthplace of many Norman dukes, including Richard I of Normandy in 933 AD and Richard II of Normandy in 978 AD.

The castle was badly damaged in the following years and today little remains of the original structure.

Fecamp Castle history

The coastal town of Fecamp developed around fishing, herring fishing, in particular, was popular in the Middle Ages. Fécamp castle was built as a residence for the Dukes of Normandy.

Initially a modest wooden pied-à-terre, the palace was rebuilt in stone by Richard II. In 1067, William the Conqueror celebrated his victory at Hastings lavishly at the castle. 

In 1202, King John of England granted a community system to Fécamp. In 1410 the English razed the town. In 1449, Fécamp was freed from English occupation.

For Fécamp, the Wars of religion finished in July 1593, when Captain de Bois-Rosé rallied the city to Henry IV of France after his conversion to Catholicism.

It was at Fécamp that Charles II of England landed, on 16 October 1651, soon after the Battle of Worcester, where he had been finally defeated by Cromwell.

Fecamp Castle today

Today the castle is in ruins, the square tower and most of the walls having been damaged and disintegrated over time. Fecamp stands in a dramatic location along the alabaster coast and is a picturesque place to explore.

Near to the castle is the Fecamp Abbey, part of which dates back to the 12th. The building is in the gothic style and clearly distinguished by its attractive 14th century lantern tower.

Getting to Fecamp Castle

Fecamp is on the Normandy coast in the valley of the river Valmont, at the heart of the Pays de Caux, on the Albaster Coast. It is around 35 km northeast of Le Havre, and around 60 km northwest of Rouen.

The nearest train station is Gare de Fécamp.