Five go to Normandy (and then there were 4!) France on a one-way ticket?
If I could sum it up in one word it would be….humble. I use this word a lot when describing the French. Why? Well compared to the UK consumerism and excess (as ever trying to follow the American model) their celebrations seem so much more precise, to the point and relaxed. Now don’t get me wrong, they max on out on the village and town decorations with, I think, far more class, style and substance than the UK. Continue reading “So What’s Xmas In France Like?”
Okay so this is one French word ‘papillon’ that I cannot for the life of me prononce properly (and it’s not even that hard!) not without being stripped of all my dignity and self-respect. What French word does that to you? Mr Normandy always corrects me on the pronunciation “you mean…” cue saying it properly. Whatever. Anyhow, it means butterfly – a word I can pronounce so this literally means butterflies of the night although google translate has it down as a moth. Continue reading “Review Of Papillons De Nuit Music Festival”
Okay, when people come over for a visit it can be tricky to decide where to send them. This is because there is so much to choose from. People don’t come to Normandy for the weather. If you do then I’m sorry to have to break it to you – you’re gonna need a refund. As I type it’s torrential rain just in time for the school run. Yes, we do see the sun and it can be glorious but this year and the back-end of last has been particularly dire. Now I have it on good authority that the Dordogne has been awful as well. Edit – today has been glorious! Continue reading “A Week In Normandy Itinerary Overload!”
Ok so we were toying with the ideal of going here. Could we be bothered? When Sunday comes around we’re all pretty tired. The boys usually have cycle training in readiness for the season and Miss Normandy has horse riding lessons on a Saturday morning – at the incredibly reasonable amount of 20 euros a lesson. Did I mention that things to do here are far cheaper than in the UK? Yes, you have blah blah. Well I’m telling you again! Continue reading “Review Of Granville Carnival”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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 Normandy Life 