Normandy/surrounding area - info please

Lesley1142

2008-03-29 14:13:27

Hi all. My husband and I are thinking of renting a cottage in or around the Normandy area, along with our 2 girls aged 3 and 4 around 2/3rd week of September. We would either be travelling Dover to Calais or Eurotunnel with our car.

1. What weather would be like around that time of year
2. What sights to see/where to go, especially with 2 young children
3. Which areas/villages etc would be nice to stay in, which are OK for travelling either from Calais ferry
or the Eurotunnel terminal
4. We are thinking of renting one of the Cottage 4 You properties, feedback from anyone who have
stayed in their properties most welcome or if you can recommend any other cottage rental firms
5. Any other recommendations/advice etc in general.

All replies eagerly awaited! Thanks, Lesley

Patka

2008-03-30 17:28:25

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

Normandy is a big area.

We drive down to Granville and stay in a caravan each June. From there its easy to visit Joulouville(?sp) which is 'seasidey' for the little ones, Champrepus Zoo and St Malo (aquarium) and Mont St Michel.

The weather will be very much like the Channel Islands, you can take a day trip to Jersey from Granville.

Further north there are the WW11 beaches and Bayeaux about 1hrs drive from Granville.

Hope thats given you some food for thought.

Patka

Lesley1142

2008-03-31 07:52:18

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

Yes, thanks for that. I realise it's a large area so that's why I'm asking for as much info as possible so I can find lots to do and base my holiday around these sights! My husband is interested in the Normandy beaches etc and anything with animals and beaches are of interest to me and the girls. Cheers! Lesley

BarryD

2008-03-31 08:23:56

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

In early September you should get great weather. Still need the sunnies! We have a 3 bed caravan in Siblu Litteau half way between Bayeaux and St. Lo. It's a smashing area.

I can recomend Omaha beach as a great place for short people, and the cemeterys around Bayeaux for the older ones.

If you like seafood and good cider then Normandy is a good place to start.

Calias to Normanday is just over 3.5 hours for us, that's a steady cruise just below the speed limit. Tolls will set you back about ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬20. The only thing worth noting is that from Caen back to Calias you will find no petrol stations on the main road for the first 140km which can mean a fingers crossed approach.

Patka

2008-03-31 08:32:37

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

We always use the 'Aire du Somme' service area near Abbeyville as a filling up point, both for the car and people. It's a good one for kids to exercise their legs and watch the ducks.

Patka

Lesley1142

2008-03-31 13:10:49

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

Useful info peeps! :tup

I chose Normandy area hoping that in September it would be still warm and even though it's near the UK, it would feel like an 'abroad' holiday. Any other tips/info most welcome! Lesley

lynwestie

2008-03-31 13:27:07

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

We went to Normandy last may lesley . Our trip was specifically to do the DD beaches . We stayed in Bayeaux which was a great base to see that whole section of coast . Our boys loved it . whilst I know you will probably want to do other things as well if you need any help or advice on the DD beaches just shout

Lyn

Edited by lynwestie 2008-03-31 14:38:34

Lesley1142

2008-03-31 13:34:04

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

Thanks Lyn. Yes, my husband would be very interested in DD beaches etc, while I would have a limited attention span! Although, if there are beaches, the kids will be happy, ergo I'm happy! If I do book, will request more info! Cheers, Lesley

Patka

2008-03-31 14:35:44

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

The 360 degree cinema above Arromanches (where the Mulberry Harbour is)is definitely worth a visit, and the American cemetery at Coleville is the one shown at the start of Saving Private Ryan is not to be missed. There are so many places to visit it is easy to get battle fatigue.

St Mere Eglise also a place to put on your list, there is an effigy of John Steele on the church steeple and interesting museum there.

Could go on for for ages, and there is Pegasus bridge at Ouistreham, if you went for a month you would only scratch the surface of what Normandy has to offer.

Patka

Lesley1142

2008-03-31 14:43:54

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

Wow! There really seems to be lots to do and see. I didn't realise! Sounds like we wouldn't be bored for a minute. Cheers, Lesley

Patka

2008-03-31 15:15:31

Re: Normandy/surrounding area - info please

And we haven't started on the Calvados, cider and the gorgeous fattening cream and cheese.

Patka