The first Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet (Castle of Saint-Germain-de-Livet) was built in the 12th century. It was a pentagonal defensive fortress, made of stone and surrounded by a moat.

In 1462 the owners - Tourneby family - decided to destroy the old fortress, except the basement and the drawbridge. They erected on its foundations a half-timbered manor made of cob and wood. During the Renaissance, a magnificent extension was added, with an arcaded gallery and the famous checkerboard facades of stone and green-glazed brick.

In the 19th century, it belonged to the Riesener family. The family’s last heir donated the castle/manor to the city of Lisieux in 1938. Today, it is a museum exhibiting the family’s heritage (not open during my visit there).