Condé-sur-Noireau is a busy town in the French province of Normandy that is very close to the town of Vire. Condé-sur-Noireau is located on the fringes of the Calvados and Orne regions. The town is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Cesar Dumont d’Urville (or Jules Dumont d’Urville). This passionate and dedicated seafarer discovered and claimed Adelie Land, an Antarctic coast, on behalf of France. His other contribution to his homeland was the purchase of the Venus de Milo, which he arranged after coming across it during his exploration of the Greek island of Milos.[1]

Condé-sur-Noireau’s main attraction is the nearby Pontecoulant Castle. Nestled among the trees, this castle is definitely the most impressive architectural gem in the area. It houses an exhibition devoted to fine old furniture. Since 1908, the castle has belonged to the Calvados “county council”.[2]

References:
Gaudez, René, Hervé Champollion, and Angela Moyon. Tour of Normandy. Rennes: Éditions Ouest-France, 1996. ISBN: 2737317185

[1] Gaudez, 55
[2] Id.