The manor owes its renown to its most illustrious resident: René-Aubert de Vertot (1655–1735), historian, abbé, and academician. Born in Bennetot, he spent his youth within the walls of this family estate before moving to Paris, where he became a member of the Académie des Belles Lettres and tutor to the Duke of Orléans, brother of King Louis XIV.
Passionate about the history of great chivalric orders, he devoted most of his life to writing his major work: The History of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, published in 1726 — a monumental seven-volume account retracing the epic story of the Order from Jerusalem to Malta, via Rhodes.
This foundational text remains a key reference for historians of the Order of Malta.
This deep connection to the values of chivalry lives on today: Olivier de Préville, the current owner of the estate, is himself a Knight and Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Niger, continuing in his own way the tradition of commitment and heritage upheld by the Abbé de Vertot.
This deep connection to the values of chivalry lives on today: Olivier de Préville, the current owner of the estate, is himself a Knight and Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Niger, continuing in his own way the tradition of commitment and heritage upheld by the Abbé de Vertot.
This foundational text remains a key reference for historians of the Order of Malta.
This deep connection to the values of chivalry lives on today: Olivier de Préville, the current owner of the estate, is himself a Knight and Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Niger, continuing in his own way the tradition of commitment and heritage upheld by the Abbé de Vertot.
The manor owes its renown to its most illustrious resident: René-Aubert de Vertot (1655–1735), historian, abbé, and academician. Born in Bennetot, he spent his youth within the walls of this family estate before moving to Paris, where he became a member of the Académie des Belles Lettres and tutor to the Duke of Orléans, brother of King Louis XIV.
Passionate about the history of great chivalric orders, he devoted most of his life to writing his major work: The History of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, published in 1726 — a monumental seven-volume account retracing the epic story of the Order from Jerusalem to Malta, via Rhodes.
This foundational text remains a key reference for historians of the Order of Malta.
A NORMAN MANOR FROM THE 16th CENTURY
In 2025, a new chapter began with the complete renovation of the Orangerie, a former estate building transformed into a light-filled reception space.
Today, the Orangerie of the Manoir de Vertot embodies the perfect balance between memory and modernity, between respect for heritage and a forward-looking spirit. Every stone, every tree, every detail of the place tells a story — that of a Norman manor reborn as a truly exceptional setting.
In 2025, a new chapter began with the complete renovation of the Orangerie, a former estate building transformed into a light-filled reception space.
Today, the Orangerie of the Manoir de Vertot embodies the perfect balance between memory and modernity, between respect for heritage and a forward-looking spirit. Every stone, every tree, every detail of the place tells a story — that of a Norman manor reborn as a truly exceptional setting.
A CONTEMPORARY REVIVAL
A CONTEMPORARY REVIVAL
A CONTEMPORARY REVIVAL
THE ABBÉ DE VERTOT
THE ABBÉ DE VERTOT
THE ABBÉ DE VERTOT
HISTORY IN STONES
HISTORY IN STONES
HISTORY IN STONES
The first stones of the manor are believed to have been laid by Italian architects who came to France with Catherine de' Medici, following the interruption of work on the Château de Gaillon. In certain details, one can recognize the influence of the Italian Renaissance, subtly adapted to local materials and Cauchois traditions.
Over the centuries, the estate has undergone various enhancements and transformations. It also endured a major trial by fire: a blaze, the exact date of which remains uncertain, destroyed part of the buildings. A partial reconstruction in brick, particularly on the main façade, brought the manor back to life while preserving its original spirit.
The first stones of the manor are believed to have been laid by Italian architects who came to France with Catherine de' Medici, following the interruption of work on the Château de Gaillon. In certain details, one can recognize the influence of the Italian Renaissance, subtly adapted to local materials and Cauchois traditions.
Over the centuries, the estate has undergone various enhancements and transformations. It also endured a major trial by fire: a blaze, the exact date of which remains uncertain, destroyed part of the buildings. A partial reconstruction in brick, particularly on the main façade, brought the manor back to life while preserving its original spirit.
Located in Bennetot, in the heart of the Pays de Caux, the Manoir de Vertot is a remarkable example of noble rural architecture in Normandy. Built in the 16ᵗʰ century, it features a main house constructed in brick and flint, a 17ᵗʰ-century dovecote, stables, and a half-timbered pavilion from the 15ᵗʰ century — the oldest part of the estate.
Surrounding the manor lies a traditional clos-masure, extending over nearly 10 hectares of apple orchards, a pond, and wooded areas. Unlike many others, the clos-masure of the Manoir de Vertot has remained intact, a rare testament to a well-preserved rural landscape.
This exceptional character earned it a listing as a Historic Monument in 1991.
Located in Bennetot, in the heart of the Pays de Caux, the Manoir de Vertot is a remarkable example of noble rural architecture in Normandy. Built in the 16ᵗʰ century, it features a main house constructed in brick and flint, a 17ᵗʰ-century dovecote, stables, and a half-timbered pavilion from the 15ᵗʰ century — the oldest part of the estate.
Surrounding the manor lies a traditional clos-masure, extending over nearly 10 hectares of apple orchards, a pond, and wooded areas. Unlike many others, the clos-masure of the Manoir de Vertot has remained intact, a rare testament to a well-preserved rural landscape.
This exceptional character earned it a listing as a Historic Monument in 1991.
History
