THE LOCAL AREA
Cycling, Climbing, Walking, Kayaking, Bungee Jumping, WW2 and Medieval History
There is so much to do locally, whether you are into outdoor pursuits or want to delve into the local history there's so much to see and do....
I am 20 mins from beautiful Suisse Normande and 15 mins from the Viaduc de La Souleuvre with all their outdoor activities.
I am really in the thick of it with regards to D-Day history and the Liberation of France here.
In August 1944, the British advanced across the fields and lanes around the farmhouse pushing the Germans backwards towards Falaise.
The SS had panzers stationed at the Château de Pontécoulant just 3km away
and soldiers of the SS were billeted in the farmhouse during the occupation,
evidence of which I have found during the renovations.
The closest of the Commonwealth war cemeteries is less than 20 minutes drive away and the nearest of the D-Day landing beaches, the British Memorial and the American cemetery are approximately an hour away.
For those interested in Medieval History we have William the Conquerors castle at Caen and his birthplace at Falaise castle, plus the world famous Bayeux Tapestry all within an hours drive.
We are also within walking distance of the C12th century chapel and Commanderie of the Knights Templar and have the ancient pilgrims walking routes to Mont Saint Michel in the adjacent field, with great structured walks on dedicated pathways all around the house.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
THE SUISSE NORMANDE
Known as a paradise for outdoor pursuits offering activities such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, walking, running, abseiling, bungee jumping, zip lines, cycling and canopy level rope adventures. The Orne river provides the site for many water activities.
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Close by is the Normandie luge at Souleuvre which was the first tobogganing site on rails in Normandy. This site also offers a barefoot garden, tree climbing courses, the tourist train, bungee jumping, the giant zip line and many other activities.
VIADUC DE LA SOULEUVRE
61 metres above the ground, are you brave enough to do the Bungee jump?!!A great day out for toddlers, teenagers and grown ups.
DOMFRONT
This medievel town has an extensive cultural and historical heritage and is within an hour of us. With excellent historic castle ruins dating to the 12th century and interesting links to the post D-Day advancement of Normandy, Domfront is highly recommended.
THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY
Within an hour of us, the tapestry at Bayeux depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and is a must see when visiting. It is a beautiful town with a stunning cathedral, charming streets, shops, cafes and restaurants
BAGNOLES-DE-L'ORNE
Within 45 minutes of us, this spa town nestled in the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural boasting Art Deco architecture, a beautiful lake, and beyond that a wood-surrounded racecourse. Horse-riding, Nordic walking, hiking, mountain-biking and archery are among many activities to enjoy around the town and in the surrounding forest.
FALAISE
Within 40 minutes of us, Château de Falaise dominates this market town and was most famously known as the birthplace of William the Conqueror until August 1944 when it became forever linked to the mass exodus out of Normandy by the fleeing German armies in what became known as the 'Falaise Gap' or 'Falaise Pocket'.
MONT ST MICHEL
Within an hour and a half of us, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tidal island and mainland commune. The historic abbey of the Mont St Michel became a renowned centre of learning, attracting some of the greatest minds and manuscript illuminators in Europe and the most visited tourist destination in France!
HONFLEUR
within an hour and a half of us, this quaint seaside town is known for its old port and 16th-18th century townhouses which have been painted many times by artists including Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet.
MONET'S GARDEN
Within 3 hours drive of us Monet's garden is situated in Giverny. This beautiful attraction which was the scene of many of his paintings boasts two parts: a flower garden called Clos Normand in front of the house and a Japanese inspired water garden on the other side of the road.​
ÉTRETAT
Within 2 hours of us, the beautiful seaside town of Étretat. It is known for its striking rock formations carved out of its white cliffs including the Porte d'Aval arch and L'Aiguille (the Needle), a pillar rising up from the sea as pictured.