Holiday Home in Normandy, France

Location

Normandy, Manche, Le Petit Celland

Directions

Our holiday home is situated between Brécey and Avranches, in the département (county) of Manche, 50, Lower Normandy. There are several ways of reaching us:

Ferry and own car

Many holidaymakers choose this method of travel, as it means they can drive to the port directly from home, take all the items they wish with them, relax on the ferry, have a shortish drive the other end to our property...and have the convenience of using their own car during their stay, for sightseeing.

There are three ferry ports within a reasonable driving distance of the property:
1. Ferry at Caen - 90 mins drive
2. Ferry at Cherbourg - 120 mins drive
3. Ferry at St. Malo - 60 mins drive

If you are coming from the UK, Britanny Ferries have sailings from Poole, Portsmouth and Plymouth. If you are coming from Ireland, there are sailings from Cork. Please look at the Brittany Ferries route map a little lower on the right.

These driving times from the ports are naturally approximate and on the cautious side. In less busy periods, you will probably be able to drive in a shorter time. However, in very busy periods (especially near French public holidays), your drive could take longer.

Brittany Ferries run a modern fleet from Portsmouth and Poole to the main three ports (Caen, Cherbourg and St. Malo), with regular sailings. There is a choice of traditional ferry (with cabin if desired) or HIGH SPEED (only about 2 and a half hours). The routes to Roscoff do not always offer daily sailings and use traditional ferries.

Neighborhood

1. Locally:

The village has a pretty church and a bar run by English owners. There is a small lake in one direction and a forest and small river in another. The famous GR22 walking route passes near the village, linking Paris to Mont St. Michel! Just north of the village there are the historical "Three Crosses" (Trois Croix), with a picnic area and a view that defies words.

In summer there is an outside swimming pool at nearby Brecey. You will find a market in the square on Friday mornings. There are a fair range of shops, as well as restaurants, cafes and a "Super U" supermarket.

For bigger shopping, the town of Avranches offers almost everything you could want, including three large supermarkets. There is an excellent tourist centre with a wide range of booklets, as well as a Saturday market, lots of restaurants and the famous "Jardin des Plantes" (park) with a view of Mont St. Michel.

NEW!! A 6 hole golf course has recently opened locally (10 minutes drive away). Being new, it is not crowded. At the same place, there is an excellent equestrian centre, ideal for children learning to ride.

2. Not far away:

Mont St. Michel (World Heritage site)
The waterfalls at Mortain (Les Cascades à Mortain)
Villedieu des Poêles - the copper city
The sea and beach (e.g. Carolles or Granville)
The Enchanted Village at Bellefontaine
Ange Michel (adventure park)
Zoo at Champrepus
Aquarium at Granville (Le Roc des Harmonies)

3. All around the area:

The Normandy countryside is much loved by holidaymakers, because it reminds them of what the countryside used to look like decades ago in other countries, prior to urban sprawl! Mile after mile of rolling fields, with hedgerows, beautiful trees and lots of animals. The area offers not just breathtaking views, but also a peaceful setting, ideal for relaxing, walking, cycling or exploring in the car.

The local cafes and restaurants offer wonderful food at really low prices. The sea is only a fairly short drive away, with sandy beaches.