Some recommendations for your visit to Normandy
Whether you are a culture lover, a historian or love being active, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, inform and entertain you
Our guests’ tips (plus a few of my own) will lead you straight to the very best this region has to offer: wonderful beaches, must see monuments, great eating experiences and laid-back bars.
Guests’ top 10 things to do
1 Try moules frites at La Cale (I recommend doing this early in your stay – you’ll probably want to return there).
2 Explore the local beaches and choose your favourite. There are miles of empty sandy beaches all within a few minutes drive.
3 Have a day out in Granville (main photo). Visit the Old Town, its galleries and boutiques, and of course don’t forget Christian Dior’s house (Museum and garden).
4 Shop at la Maison du Biscuit, an épicerie not to be missed. Try free samples of their fabulous biscuits and purchase wonderful goodies to take home.
5 Visit La Clé des Temps, a treasure trove of all things antique or brocante is only 10 minutes away. Antiques-hunters and decorators will want to check this out more than once. Prices reduce every week until everything sells: Make sure to leave enough room in your car for all your bargains.
6 Pedal along the quiet country lanes on one of a number of bikes at each property.
7 Visit some of the local restaurants from “On the Beach” style to Michelin starred and everything in between. I am happy to make recommendations and reservations ( adviseable 14th July to 15th august)
8 If you want something more active, try sandyachting, or horse riding on the beach, skimboarding or tennis, or golf, or just a game of petanque at home.
9 Buy mussels and oysters direct from the growers to bring home or eat them on site in one of the many pop-up restaurants that open every summer.
10 Try beach bars such as the Boa at Gouville beach or la Cabane at Lingreville beach, they often have live music too. DanCiz a 70s funkadelic band at la Cabane last summer was the most fun I’ve had in ages! Complete with half a dozen costume changes and props…you couldnt help smiling all evening.
SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS NORMANDY ATTRACTIONS
Of course no visit to this part of the world would be complete without seeing Mont Saint Michel, (get there by 09.30 at the latest to avoid the crowds), The Bayeux Tapestry, The Normandy Landing beaches, The American War Cemetery…
All are easy outings from La Brocanterie and La Reverie.
One week just isn’t enough to fit it all in and then of course once you’re here, the temptation for many is simply to relax and unwind with a barbecue and a bottle (or two) of wine by the pool.
GUEST GALLERY
Thanks go to Peter Cook, who kindly made his wonderful photos from his 2023 Dream Gites holiday available for sharing here.
