Wygelia Cottage 1 Bedroom Cottage (NC002179)

Eating Out

'Further afield'
"Vire is about 20km away and offers a wider choice of restaurants. Hotel de France, good food beautifully presented, linen tablecloths, in a very pleasant atmosphere. A la carte or set meal of the day available, slightly more expensive about 15 Euros for the "Menu du Jour" but we consider it very good value. There is a self-service cafeteria attached to the Champion supermarket so you can have the set meal with a choice of main courses, one of which is always fish otherwise you may choose to have a snack as there is a wide range of "starters" on offer, very reasonably priced but lacking the atmosphere of the hotels."

'Our Favourite Restaurant'
"This is at Cruelly, Hotel St-Martin about 45 mins drive but well worth going the extra distance. In the bar/brasserie, the 3 course set menu is just 9 Euros! Unbelievable value! The hotel was originally an enclosed market which was later enclosed and the upper floors were added later so in the brasserie the ceilings are vaulted. The restaurant has many fascinating artefacts on display and also paintings of the local chateau which is just around the corner and during the summer there are usually exhibitions of various types of art. Menus are from about 15-36 Euros but we highly recommend a visit. "

'Restaurants'
"Locally there are 2 hotels in Aunay-sur-Odon, our nearest town offering good value for money mid-day meals. Hotel de la Place also offers a choice of cider or wine with your meal. Meals cost about 10 Euros and have 3 courses, coffee is extra. There is also a local bar/brasserie offering more traditional food at about the same price."

Local Area and Activities

'American Beaches/Museums'
"Omaha and Utah beaches and their museums. Ste-Mere-Eglise - remember the John Wayne film depicting the arrival of US troops to this town? One unfortunate parachutist was suspended from the church tower by the strings of his parachute; a mannakin has now taken his place so don't forget to look up at the church tower! Across the road is the Airborne museum, well worth a visit."

'Bayeux'
"As well as the famous Tapestry, do visit The Battle of Normandy Museum, as there are many interesting items on display, also the Lace Museum and the Museum of Religious Art."

'Caen'
"The capital of Lower Normandy has much to offer: the 2 Abbeys built by William and Mathilda, one of which is now the seat of the Regional Council. Both can be visited at set times. The château dominates the landscape from its great height and within its walls you will find The Museum of Normandy plus a Museum of Religious Art."

'Canadian Landing Beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer'
"New museum."

'Gardens and Castles'
"There are many to choose from but one of our favourites is the medieval château of Crevecour which holds exhibitions of jousting in the tourist season."

'Ger (in the Manche)'
"Here you will find the regional pottery museum; regular workshops are held during the season. Noron le Poterie - walk down the main street and you will find workshops on both sides so lots of choice and most items are very reasonably priced."

'Hiking, Pony Trekking etc'
"These are also available in our area, also fishing. In fact, there's something for everyone in Normandy so why not come and see for yourself?"

'Landing Beaches and Museums'
"Arromanches. Landing beach and the awe-inspiring remains of the Mulberry Harbour! What a feat this was to have hauled this massive construction across the Channel! The museum has videos in English and there is lots to see and do, so allow plenty of time for your visit."

'Le Mont St Michel'
"No visit to Normandy would be complete without a visit to this world famous site. This entails climbing many, many steps but is well worth the effort! "

'Medieval Walled Towns'
"There are several to choose from: St Malo where you will find built into the old walls a former prison dating back to the French Revolution but whose cells, complete with bars, now house bottles of wine!! Dinan is another walled city where you can enjoy wandering along the old narrow streets and imagining life in medieval times."

'Miniature Railway Museum'
"This is at Clecy and has the largest layout in Europe with working lights, bridges etc."

'Other Sports'
"There are several golf courses nearby : Clecy, Vire and Bayeaux."

'Villedieu'
"Known as "the Copper Town" as this is one of its main industries. Visit the working Bell Foundry, copper, pewter and lace workshops plus the "Kingdom of Clocks." Nearby is the Museum of Normandy Furniture with videos in English explaining the various carvings which are found on the traditional "Armoire Normand". Good market on a Tuesday."

'Walking/Hiking'
"There are lots of clearly signed walks to follow, plus many organised "randonees". Distances vary from 3-15km, as do locations, forest, across open countryside, visiting local points of interest. Some last half a day, while others are a full day, with a stop for lunch and perhaps a mid-morning break."

'Working Watermills'
"Visit Le Molay Littry and see the water wheel in action, also watch the charcoal burner at work. Small market each Sunday during July and August. Also at Molay Littry see the Mining Museum which has videos in English explaining the history of the site. "

'Zoos'
"Our local zoo at Jurques is just 8km away and much work is carried out on preserving endangered species. Also, see the white lions, a rare sight indeed! Cafe within the grounds. The larger zoo at Champrepus is set in beautiful grounds so its not just the animals to admire but lots of interesting trees and shrubs. Cafe/bar in the grounds. "

Markets and Shopping

'Days and Places'
"You can find a market most days not too far away. Our favourites are: Vire Fridays, Bayeux Saturdays, Villers Bocage Wednesdays, Port en Bessin Sundays excellent for fresh fish and seafood, Caen Friday market Quartier St Pierre. There is a market in Caen every day but always in a different part of the city. For further details please ask us as we are always on hand to help or advise."