Maison Henri IV

The Maison Henri IV is a magnificent Renaissance half-timbered house built in 1540 by wealthy shipowner Guillaume Ladire, now serving as Saint-Valery-en-Caux's local history museum. The building is classified as a Historic Monument, with its intricately sculpted facade depicting exotic scenes inspired by Norman voyages to Brazil - including a man praying to the sun and a woodcutter felling the famous Pau Brasil tree. The house earned its name from the tradition that King Henri IV stayed here during his 1593 visit to the town, though Henri II had also been received at this location in 1550 when he granted the town the privilege of 'franc sale' (salt tax exemption). Inside, visitors can explore permanent exhibitions on local maritime and rural heritage, view master paintings with unusual stories, and discover contemporary artworks through a scenographic journey between land and sea. The museum also houses a free-access World War II memorial. Visits are by guided tour only - available Fridays through Sundays in low season and Wednesdays through Sundays in high season. The interior courtyard features a 16th-century staircase turret and galleries worth seeing.