Le Moulin des Essards

La Bazoque, Nr BAYEUX

Normandy

2 bedrooms > Sleeps 4

Changeover day: Saturday

Set in peaceful, beautiful surroundings beside an old mill, this former bake house overlooks a tranquil wooded valley, waterfall and millstream. Restored by the English owners who live next door, it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Less than 10 minutes away is the pretty town of Balleroy, famous for its château, while the coast, with its fishing ports and miles of sandy beaches, is just ½ hour by car. Also nearby is Bayeux, home of the famous tapestry, while Caen (45mins), offers everything you would expect from the regional capital, including excellent shopping.

Seafood and dairy food are the specialities here and there are many fine restaurants in the area, including a Michelin-starred restaurant in Balleroy itself. Balleroy also has two bars, a supermarket and two boulangeries where you can buy bread, croissants and mouth-watering cakes. In the surrounding countryside are pretty villages, forests, a lakeside leisure centre and wonderful opportunities for walking or cycling, starting on your own doorstep. (Bicycles can be kept under cover in a nearby barn.)

The cottage offers an excellent base for those wishing to explore the D-Day beaches and the many war museums, including those at Arromanches, Bayeux and the renowned Peace Museum at Caen. Mont St Michel is only 1½ hours drive away, and should you fancy a day in Paris, a regular train service runs from Bayeux taking only 2 hours. Just north of Bayeux is the fishing village of Port-en-Bessin, and the Sunday morning market on the quay is well worth a visit.

The area around the cottage is a haven for wildlife, and visitors have reported seeing deer, hares, foxes and kingfishers to name but a few. Egrets, and for the last two years a black stork, are occasional visitors.

The owners are happy to answer questions about the area – from the best places to eat to buying a house! – but are equally happy to respect your privacy. You will find lots of information in the gite to help you plan your holiday, including up-to-date leaflets on places to go and things to see.

Accommodation
The cottage is set on a slope overlooking a valley and has accommodation on three floors. On the main floor is the living/dining room, with views of the valley and waterfall. There is an open fireplace with woodburner, and seasoned wood is available cut from our own woodlands. Stairs lead to the upper and lower floors. At the rear is the kitchen, fully equipped with oven, hob, microwave, fridge and dishwasher.

On the lower floor is a double bedroom with beamed ceiling; a shower room with WC; a washing machine; and a door leading out to the garden. On the top floor is a twin bedded room with exposed (low) roof timbers and a view of the waterfall.

Outside: The private fenced garden has a small area of lawn and a terrace (approached by steps) with garden furniture and a barbecue. There is a private parking area a few yards from the cottage.

All rooms have electric convector heaters.
Bedlinen and towels are available for hire. (Beds will be made up for when you arrive.)
A cot is available on request.

Please note –
• Because of the nature of the site and the fairly-steep stairs, the cottage is unsuitable for disabled persons or those with reduced mobility.
• There is unfenced water nearby.
• For practical reasons we are unable to accept dogs.

                                        *****

We have been letting the cottage since 1997 and our Visitors’ books are filled with lovely comments. Here are just a few…

“Having arrived late in the evening on our wedding day, we were initially delighted with the interior of the gîte but had to wait until morning to be equally amazed at its glorious surroundings.”

“A great location for exploring the D-day beaches, museums and countryside. Must visits – Pointe du Hoc, Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches and the war cemeteries. I have never been so moved by a place…”

“We had a lovely two weeks here – very relaxing, but action-packed too. There is so much to do in this part of Normandy…”

“We feel that here is the world as God intended it to be, tranquil, beautiful and full of wildlife. We have seen a kingfisher and a red squirrel amongst other things, and feel so privileged to have been able to share your special piece of ‘heaven.’”
 
 
 

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