Where to start with this one. Okay, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the absolute best time to come to Normandy is around this time. As you will be aware, D-Day – the day of the beach landings during the Second World War – was on 6 June 1944. We are here in Normandy, the very place that this happened, so there is an infinite amount of activity going on during this time. The hive of activity actually starts at the end of May as they can’t possibly fit everything in during one week of June! Continue reading “D-Day Commemorations In Normandy”
Category: Our French Life
Parc Ange Michel
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”
The Enchanted Village
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”
5 Things To Do In 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”
How Will Brexit Affect You In France?
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?”
Viaduc de la Souleuvre
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”
What If?
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?”
Beauchêne Christmas Lights
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”
The Magic Roundabout
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”
Now We’re Cooking With Gas!
Well not entirely. The hobs are gas and the oven is electric. Having spent months cooking with a crappy gas oven which had one setting = #1 burn this has been an absolute delight to cook with. I cannot tell you how frustrating it was to cook with a gas oven. I don’t really see the point of having a top and bottom shelf in a gas oven. The middle shelf is your only hope of something remotely resembling what it’s meant to and just estimate an hour for everything. 20 minute pizza = one hour, 15 minute cupcakes = one hour. So yes, this bad boy has been a very welcome addition to life in France. I hadn’t realised people have so much oven envy until I popped a picture up on my facebook. Continue reading “Now We’re Cooking With Gas!”
Our Normandy Life 