In April 1875, the Doctor at the Austrian Imperial Court advised Empress Sissi, Queen of Hungary, to send her daughter Marie Valerie for a holiday by the sea where the iodized air would greatly improve her daughter’s fragile health. At the time of this conversation, one of the Chateau’s former owners, then exiled, mentioned his old Estate in Normandy which was right next to the beach. Members of the Court were sent to reconnoitre the area. On July 31, 1875, the Imperial train arrived in Fécamp bringing the Empress Sissi, Marie Valerie and 70 courtiers and staff. For almost 2 months, Sissi criss-crossed the Normandy countryside on her horse meeting its rural world. Unfortunately while jumping over an obstacle, her horse threw its august rider and knocked her unconscious. The Village doctor administered First Aid to her and noted that there were no fractures. An Austrian fellow doctor who had rented a house at Petites Dalles ordered complete rest and bathing for the rest of the stay. Being unaware of the dangerous currents of our coasts, Sissi was almost drowned but was saved by a passing yacht. On September 25, after a good rest, Sissi left Normandy. So since 1875, the Chateau is the only place in France where you can feel the spirit of the famous Empress pervading its rooms.

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