Decisions, decisions. But the question is - which cake did I choose?
Good morning from the sheep in the next field. (Sound on for the full effect)
How lovely to spot this from my window this morning. Happy Sunday.
I really wasnt expecting this when I opened the shutters about 10 minutes ago. What a great start to the day.
The garden is hopefully looking better since the last time I posted pics of it. The lawn needs scarifying and mowing in the next few days. Fingers crossed that the guests who arrived today will get to spend some time out there.
12 Days of Christmas, Day 12
My final post looking back at 2022 is a video from a sunny day in December. This is the beach at Coudeville-sur-Mer and there was just one other person on the beach who you can see right at the end. It was fabulous to be able to enjoy that huge stretch of the coastline almost to myself.
If you’d like to book a holiday here in Normandy, I’ll pop the website link below so you can check the availability. Secure your dates with a 25% deposit and relax knowing you’ve got something to look forward to later this year.
There was just me plus one other person and a dog on the beach yesterday. Although it was only around 3 or 4 degrees it felt pretty comfortable as there was no breeze. I love our busy Normandy beaches. 😂
Listen to the church bells in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. On D-Day this small village, not far from Utah Beach, would have looked very different.
This was the view from yesterday morning’s beach trip. At 9.30am it wasn’t crowded at all and the only activity was from walkers, joggers and boats being launched. Although there was a breeze, it soon warmed up and I even had a dip in the sea. By the time we left at 11.30, a few more people had arrived to sit on the beach, relax and enjoy the surroundings. It’s due to be 35 degrees today! 😳
The firework display at Granville last night for the 14 July celebrations. I’ve never seen Granville so busy with plenty of families enjoying the show. I got there early so I could park and wandered over to Yver for a yummy ice cream (strawberry with raspberry yoghurt). For some people today will be another day off as they ‘faire le pont’ (literally to make the bridge) by taking an extra day off to get a long weekend.
Christian Dior Museum and Gardens in Granville, Normandy
Last week’s guests have been holidaying in Normandy for around 15 years and have always stayed in La Manche region. Usually they spend D-Day week here but changed that this year due to the Jubilee. They’ve very kindly said that I could share their itinerary if you are looking for inspiration of what to do.
Saturday. Arrive at gite, do food shopping, chill
Sunday. Bréhal Sunday morning market, afternoon at the beach, dinner at a local restaurant
Monday. Bayeux cathedral and Commonwealth cemetery, Arromanches, the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer.
Tuesday. Villedieu-Les-Poêles morning market, Champrépus zoo
Wednesday. Coutances shops, gardens and cathedral
Thursday. Granville and the Christian Dior Museum
Friday. Mont Saint Michel, dinner at a local restaurant
Saturday. Leave the gite and travel to
Cherbourg for the early evening ferry. Afternoon at the Cité de la Mer nautical museum in Cherbourg.
Despite numerous trips to the area they still discovered new places to explore. They called in to Villedieu’s church while they were at the market. They also really enjoyed their visit to the Dior gardens and museum.
I took this video yesterday in the gardens. #Normandy
Six years ago this weekend my first guests came to stay in the gite. How time flies. Wishing you a happy Sunday from Normandy.
A video of a breezy day in Granville’s high town the weekend before last. The view is looking north up the coast and the endless beaches. This contrasts with the historic walled town where the buildings date from the 16th century onwards.
It’s Armistice Day in France today when cities, towns and villages remember those who’ve been injured or lost their lives in conflict. It’s a public holiday to enable people to show their respect. Although I posted about the British Normandy Memorial at the weekend, it seems fitting to share this video today on Remembrance Day. On the 11th hour, on the 11th day on the 11th month, we will remember them. #remembranceday #lestweforget
A visit to the D Day 75 garden today. It was originally displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show and then installed on the cliffs above Arromanches for the 75th anniversary commemorations in 2019. The stone sculpture is of Bill Pendell as he looks across to himself aged 22 in 1944. Alongside him are the comrades he fought with during the Battle of Normandy. #dday
A sky of two halves late this afternoon as I passed by Coudeville sur Mer. Moody and overcast on the left in Granville compared to sun and blue sky on the right.
Autumn and winter months are usually the best months to see stunning sunrises in Normandy. My camera roll is peppered with them from October onwards. This video was taken last November looking across the field that’s next to the gite. The colours and the cloud patterns were so amazing that it felt surreal. I was so pleased I managed to capture it.
