Chateau du Grand Val is situated just outside the medieval village of Combourg in Brittany. Here, in the cradle of European culture, it is never far to sights worth seeing and experiences of the more culinary kind.

Chateau du Grand Val has a long history from medieval times, but its first known owner is G. Du Val year 1429. The estate changed owners many times, at the end of the 1700s it was passed on to count Jean Pinot du Petit-bois. The castle remained in this family for a long time into the 1900s. Grand Val has through centuries experienced decennium of peace and progress, but also a Revolution and several cruel wars. During the second world war the nazis commandeered the castle. Its high position made it an excellent place for air reconnaissance. The Germans felled many trees to get better visibility. The wooden floor of the old chapel was broken up and used as boards for bunkbeds. The officers naturally moved into the castle after the had thrown the rightful owners out.

It is only 150km to the beached of the D Day landings. Omaha Beach and the American war cemetary is an unforgettable place.

http://www.normandybattlefields.com/battle_sites.htm
http://www.britannica.com/dday/browse?browseId=237179
http://www.normandybattlefields.com/