Normandy
The green, flowered Normandy countryside stretches between the sea and hedged farmland, and provides marine, urban and country pleasures all at once.
Its coastline stretches from the famous monastery island of Mont-Saint-Michel in the West, passing the Cote de Nacre where thousands of Allied troops poured ashore in the closing stages of World War II, on to the chalky cliffs and long sandy beaches of the Côte d'Albatre, and finishing at the ultra modern seaside town of Le Treport in the East. This beautiful coastline became a kind of open-air studio for Impressionist painters during the mid and late 19th century.
Inland it is a lush, pastoral region of half-timbered manor houses and apple orchards providing the famous cider and calvados brandy; and contented cows grazing in the deep green grass providing the rich cream, butter and cheeses such as Camembert and the heart-shaped Neufchatel.
Other highlights include Bayeux, where the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England is told in detail by the town's famous tapestry; Monet's garden at Giverny which is on the wooded banks of the Seine as it meanders from Paris to Le Havre; the Medieval city of Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake; and the pretty fishing ports such as Honfleur and Dieppe.
Seine Maritime
Forges les Eaux. This delightful spa town has pretty lakes and woodland walks, a smart Casino (very popular with Parisians as it is only 70 miles from Paris and open every night until 5am), a Club Med with health spa (daily membership is available for the gym, pool, sauna and various thalassotherapy seaweed treatments), fishing, tennis, and an indoor/outdoor pool, as well as a selection of restaurants, bars and a weekly market....READ MORE
Lower Normandy
Alençon is the capital of the Orne in Lower Normandy, close to the border with the Sarthe department. The ancient streets, medieval buildings, gift shops, chocolatiers, markets and parks of the old town should not be missed. You can even follow a discovery route with an ‘autoguide’ commentary in English or French; headphones and map are available from the Office de Tourisme. This is housed in the 'Maison d'Ozé', former home of the dukes of Alençon, close to the spectacular gothic Church of Our Lady and the cobbled market square...READ MORE
Your Holiday Matters - approved properties
Le Gaillon: 3 bedroom farmhouse with lovely views, sleeps 6+2
Le Gaillon is totally private, with outstanding views
over beautiful countryside. It is so peaceful, you will be able to forget
the hustle and bustle of life and just enjoy being totally by yourselves
with nobody else around.
Inside, it feels like a well-loved home (and that’s because it is - but somewhat tidier than our own!) thanks to a mix of antique furniture, comfortable sofas, big rugs and original stone floors.
We do everything we can to ensure that you will have a fantastic holiday. As one of our recent guests remarked: “Can life get any better?”. We hope you come soon!
CLICK HERE for further information
La Basse Cour
La Basse Cour (Ancinnes) is an XVIII century farmhouse situated near Alençon with views of the forest and the surrounding countryside. Everything about the area says 'Normandy' but officially Ancinnes is in the Pays de la Loire - we think this area offers the best of both!
Choose from three comfortable en-suite guest rooms with a three star Gites de France rating. The house is in a secluded setting surrounded by wooded and planted gardens on the fringes of the magnificent Forest of Perseigne.
CLICK HERE for further information