Month: Jan 2018

Our French Life, Our Review Life

Parc Ange Michel

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One of the many rides

This amusement park is in the Manche region of France – Saint Martin Des Landelles to be exact. The journey to the park, as you draw nearer, is typically scenic as you wind down the French country roads. So much so, that you may at some point question your SatNav’s ability but bear with – as you are going in the right direction. It’s not like Chessington where you come off the motorway and it is clear as day – you are on the right course. You will come across Parc Ange Michel by arriving in an unassuming field. Continue reading “Parc Ange Michel” →

Our French Life, Our Review Life

The Enchanted Village

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Behind the gates and up the driveway, to the top of the park, you enter and see the Enchanted Village for the first time

You had me at the name.  I mean how can you not visit “The Enchanted Village”?  Not only that it’s just outside the pretty little village called Bellefontaine.  How fitting.  Although this actually reminds me of the character in The Godfather, you know the singer, Johnny Fontane? Everytime I drive past I say “Johnny Bellefontaine”! I digress. Back to The Enchanted Village.  Continue reading “The Enchanted Village” →

Our French Life, Our Review Life

5 Things To Do In Mortain

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Always an American flag to be seen given the history of Mortain

Mortain is a town in the Manche region of Normandy and is well worth a visit especially if you have an interest in World War II history. Although even if you aren’t an enthusiast, it is an enjoyable place to spend some time in. The very fact you are in Normandy will invariably mean you will be coming across monuments, commemorations and war graves at some point during your travels. Continue reading “5 Things To Do In Mortain” →

Our French Life, our relocation life

How Will Brexit Affect You In France?

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brexit

Okay so if I haven’t lost you in the title then please bear with.  Unless you have been on another planet, then Brexit isn’t something you can escape hearing about, whether you like it or not. Although, living here in France, it’s far easier to get away from the constant dissecting of it and watch from afar.  Which is so liberating.  Of course, I can tap into BBC News and what not but I do feel somewhat detached from the whole process, sitting here on mainland europe and by jove it feels good! Continue reading “How Will Brexit Affect You In France?” →

Our French Life, Our Review Life

Viaduc de la Souleuvre

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If you are a thrill seeker then this place is an absolute must.  It’s between Vire and Jurques (which has an excellent Zoo by the way – another post for another time) in the Calvados region of Normandy. Even if you aren’t too keen on flinging yourself off a platform from a great height – your fate being decided by a big springy elastic band whilst your retina’s are still attached – this is still a very enjoyable day out for all ages. Continue reading “Viaduc de la Souleuvre” →

Our French Life, Our School Life

What If?

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noodle cake

So, it’s my son’s 14th birthday today! His first birthday living in a different country. Who would have thought? I remember saying to him in Year 2, walking to school, one day we might live in France. In fact, I remember saying it to his teachers (who were glazing over no doubt) and still being there in Y5 and then Y6 in primary. Then onto secondary Y7, Y8… Continue reading “What If?” →

Our French Life, Our Review Life

Beauchêne Christmas Lights

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Okay so I know Christmas has been and gone and it all feels like a distant memory but I wanted to share these wonderful pictures of the lights at Beauchêne.

Beauchêne is in the Orne region of Normandy – we live in the Manche region. However, like a lot of things here, it was only a 35 minute drive away and we were told that we must see these Christmas lights. Continue reading “Beauchêne Christmas Lights” →

Our French Life, Our Renovation Life

The Magic Roundabout

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The enigma that is Enedis

That would be getting yourself some electricity here in France. Now, our house did not have any water, electric, mains drainage or a telephone line. Am I selling you the dream yet? We don’t live off the beaten track or a few roads off the main track. We live on the track.  We are the last house in a village of over 500 residents and it’s on a main D road.  Positively urban in Normandy terms. Continue reading “The Magic Roundabout” →

our relocation life

Top 10 Tips For Relocating

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Okay so everyone loves a Top Ten don’t they? So here’s mine, on your essential checklist, when moving to France.

1.  Have a Massive Clear Out of Gigantic Proportions

Obvious. You’d think. I did about 20 bags and felt pretty smug if truth be told. I started at the top of the house and worked my way down. We then hired a skip and cleared out the loft and yes you’d think that would be enough. Wrong. Do it again and then repeat this about 5 more times.  Continue reading “Top 10 Tips For Relocating” →