Holidays in France

 France has been popular with English tourists since the middle ages. Tourists used to make the excursion both ways! It has to be said though that border controls were not respected and a certain degree of force accompanied those early trips!

My own ancestors actually made the trip with William the Conqueror and after almost a thousand years I thought the time was right to return to the ancestral home in Normandy. Unfortunately, the ancestral home in Blonville sur Mer had vanished and instead we settled for a Manor house which is now a Chambres D’hotes / Bed and Breakfast in the village of Landelles et Coupigny near Vire, in the Calvados department of Normandy.

These days, of course, trips to France do not usually incur the same level of aggression and travelling without a passport can lead to problems.

France has a wonderful array of climates from the heat of the south to the more temperate climate of the North and travelling across France can bring a variety of different clothing requirements which makes packing a somewhat tedious job.

However, despite the aggravations that accompany any holiday abroad France and in particular Normandy has much to offer.

Within an hours drive of our Bed and Breakfast there are many sights to see and many places to visit.

The most famous of these would be Le Mont St Michel which is located just 45 minutes from us at le Manoir du Bourg. Le Mont St Michel is the most amazing place in that throughout its life it has been a monastery, a prison, a zoo and now caters almost exclusively to tourists. Through its rambling streets there are many shops and restaurants. Including the Mere Poulard who is reputed to have invented the omelette!

You can even stay in a hotel on the Mont although it is one of the busiest places that I have ever visited and literally bulges with tourists. It is a good idea to visit there out of season.

There are many other places to visit within an hours drive of Le Manoir du Bourg Bed and Breakfast in Normandy and these include Caen, Granville which is a large sea-side resort, Honfleur, Rennes, the Cherbourg peninsular and Bayeux which is famed for its tapestry and is also a very attractive town in its own right.

Most of the D Day landing beaches are also within an hours drive and you can see for yourself the landing beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold Juno and Sword. There are many World War II memorials and museums scattered across the region and it can make for a sobering and reflective day out to visit them.

On a lighter note there is much to see and do. There are a number of attractions for the children including Zoos, Reptilarium, A large Submarine at Cherbourg and Festy Parc which is a theme and attractions park nearby.

If you are looking for a Bed and Breakfast in Normandy then Le Manoir du Bourg may be just the place for you. Remember Calvados is not just a drink but an interesting place to stay!

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