general information
We bought our old farm in 1998 and have spent much time and care renovating it. We love the peace and tranquility of the area and the fabulous local produce. We renovated a separate wing in 2005, which is fully self contained.
The farm is set in an acre and a half of Normandy country side, with small farms on all sides. However, Avranches, the major town in the area, is only ten minutes away.
The farmhouse has three twin bedrooms, two shower rooms and two separate WCs. A cot and stair guard can be provided.
Travel is very easy, with many options. The drive from the ferry ports of St Malo and Caen takes approximately one hour, and Cherbourg, Le Havre, Dieppe and Roscoff. slightly longer. The airports at Dinard and Rennes are one hour away. Because the French motorways are so good and uncrowded, the drive from Calais or the Eurotunnel terminal is a delight, taking about four hours.
The Accommodation
The house has three twin bedrooms, two shower rooms and two separate WCs. Downstairs, the table seats six and there are several easy chairs. There is also an enormous fire place
The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas hob and oven, microwave oven, fridge with small freezer and dishwasher and washing machine. There is a good selection of kitchen tools and saucepans and plenty of crockery, cutlery and glasses.
Satellite television receiving English television and radio programmes is provided, also a DVD/CD player a selection of English and French paperback books and some guide books and games. The guest book lists some of our favourite restaurants and we would be delighted if you would add to the list
The building is well insulated, and delightfully cool in summer.
Outside there is a bbq for al fresco eating with a table and chairs
There is ample car car parking.
Things to see and do
Mont St Michel, Frances most famous tourist destination, is visible just over the ridge and can be reached in 30-40 minutes.
Bayeux, with its world famous tapestry is a short drive up the A84 towards Caen and can be combined with a visit to the Normandy Landing Beaches at Arromanches.
Avranches, the nearest town, has a museum which contains the manuscripts from Mont St Michel and the skull of St Aubin, who built the monastery. There is also a very good World War two Museum in Avranches.
It is possible to make a day trip visit Monets garden in Giverny.
This area is idyllic for walking and cycling and has many signposted routes.
There are numerous golf courses within an easy drive and the nearby coastal resorts offer sailing and sand yachting. Nearby stables provide horse riding, and a go carting centre is a short distance to the north. For the really adventurous, the airfield at Avranches can arrange micro- light flights around the bay of Mont St Michel.
France’s premier salmon fishing river is close to the gite and in season, licences may be bought in the local shops.
The gently sloping sandy beaches are ideal for small children, and Avranches and Brecey have swimming swimming pools.
The zoo at Champrepus near Villedieu, is wonderful for children and adults alike.
Our grandchildren have enjoyed trout fishing at nearby Brecey and eating their catch for supper.
Normandy is one of the best gastronomic regions of France, and there are many good restaurants nearby. We provide some details for all price ranges and welcome further recommendations.
The towns of St Malo and Granville have casinos and many chic boutiques.
All the surrounding towns have market days, where superb provisions can be bought: freshly caught fish, shell fish, local cheeses and cream, and many types of locally raised chickens, ducks and meat.
There are supermarkets in Avranches, and Ducey which have some English speaking staff.