Manoir du Catel

Receptions at a fortified manor in Normandy

Manoir du Catel is in Écretteville-lès-Baons, near Yvetot in Seine-Maritime, Normandy, France. This medieval fortified manor advertises private hire for weddings, drinks receptions, family gatherings and business events. Rooms, a courtyard and landscaped outdoor spaces can be combined, with a cultural visit by arrangement. The property also opens for visits at certain times. Booking an event does not automatically give unrestricted use of every space; specify the hire area, other activities and access in the contract.

Saint-Louis room and different layouts

The Saint-Louis room is in the Grand commun building, with a glazed opening onto the inner courtyard. The manor website gives its area as 120 m², while the departmental events listing gives 125 m². The latter publishes capacities of 80 for a banquet, 120 for a cocktail reception and 40 in a U-shaped layout. It also lists 120 classroom-style: have that layout and its circulation routes checked on a floor plan before booking. These figures do not establish a wedding capacity allowing for dancing. The website also describes ground-floor manor rooms of 50 or 100 m² with historic graffiti on the walls. Confirm access, availability and capacities separately; room capacities must not be added.

Courtyard, lawns and open-air theatre

The sheltered inner courtyard, western lawns and grassed former moats provide different settings around the building. The open-air theatre is advertised with 400 tiered seats; this is an audience capacity, not seating for 400 dining guests. Agree ceremonies, outdoor drinks, tents, façade lighting and wet-weather arrangements individually. Historic surroundings and ancient walls require approval of installations, fixings and circulation routes. These descriptions do not establish permission to conduct a legally recognised civil wedding ceremony.

Catering and equipment

Local tourism describes partnerships with selected regional caterers for cocktails, lunches and dinners, with classic or medieval-inspired options. Freedom to appoint another caterer, kitchen facilities, crockery, menus, dietary requirements and allergens are not documented in detail. Obtain written confirmation. Listed equipment includes Wi-Fi, a screen, projector, television, microphone and sound system, flipchart and defibrillator. Check which room is concerned, technical support and extra charges; the list does not mean every item is automatically included with each package.

Event prices and terms to obtain

Private hire is advertised by quotation, with no verified current public wedding price, minimum guest count or itemised package. The €8 adult and €4 concession rates concern cultural visits, not venue hire for a reception. Request a euro quotation specifying the date, duration, spaces, food, furniture, setup, cleaning, taxes and extras. Advance payments, deposits, deadlines, cancellation and postponement require confirmation. Agree guest-supplied drinks, corkage, cakes, finishing times and sound limits; unlimited late-night music must not be assumed.

Accommodation, travel and access needs

No on-site event accommodation is established in the documents consulted. Arrange separate lodging and transport after the celebration. The address is 244 Rue du Manoir du Catel, 76190 Écretteville-lès-Baons, France. Access is described via the A29 and RD6015; arrange onward transport from Yvetot railway station. Family parking, coach parking, toilets and cycle parking are listed, without published parking capacities. Tourism materials indicate access for disabled visitors, but verify the complete route, adapted toilets and each room. Pets are listed as accepted for visits; confirm the policy for your reception.

Availability and preparing your enquiry

The official private-hire page still mentions an improvement phase, while departmental tourism presents a year-round hire offer. The Google listing consulted indicates temporary closure. These records cannot guarantee that every space will be open on your date. Confirm availability, works and access directly before travelling or booking. For private hire, the website names Frédéric Toussaint on +33 6 14 85 02 02; the tourist office also publishes tous1fred@gmail.com. Include your date, seated and standing guest numbers, dancing, ceremony, caterer and access needs. The photograph dated 5 March 2010 shows the manor exterior, without establishing the present interior layout.