I’m hoping someone can offer a recommendation…we are looking for an overnight at a farm B&B in Normandy in August. Could even be two nights…
I’m plowing through an enormous list of bed-and-breakfast offers on farms in Normandy (here’s the link to Bienvenue a la Ferme) and many of them sound just wonderful…but it would be nice to have a recommendation from someone who’s been.
It could be either a suggestion of a place, or perhaps just as important, good advice on how to choose, what to look for, what to avoid.
Thanks!
Thanks! We thought of Bayeux, but we’ve decided in the end to look for a farm B&B in the Manche area of Normandy for one night; the second night will be either in, or very near Mont St-Michel. In fact, if there are no reasonable rooms available on the Mont, and if the B&B is near enough for us to spend the evening on the Mont, we might take the second night there.
I’ve been advised that the experience on Mont St.-Michel is very different after the crowd leaves, so we’d like to stay for at least a late-ish dinner.
I imagine there’s a real difference between staying on the Mont, compared to staying near the Mont. Yes, you’d give up the view but could always make the trek to get a photo at the appropriate hour, then go back. I was there some years ago and we had no plan regarding where we’d stay. It was off-season so we weren’t worried. We found a very modest, friendly hotel on the main street as it begins it’s climb, with a view of the cobblestones below and it was perfect. But then, under the circumstances, I think anyplace would have been perfect, I was so enthralled with the place. It simply depends on your priorities, of course. There were a couple of posh accommodations and the rest were modest. I suspect, if you make an early decision, you’ll be able to find an affordable room on the Mont. I like to be inside some experiences, observe others from a distance. In this case, I’d again choose within.
I can’t recommend an agrotourismo, but I’d suggest you consider staying in Bayeux. Very small town, charming medieval core, great cathedral and of course its famous tapestry.
We stayed at a nice B&B which was near the heart of the historic town core, very convenient to everything. Owned by a wonderful couple who were great hosts and were fascinating to talk to. And they helped us outline highlights of what to see in the area. An elegant home — maybe larger than you need and not quite what you’re looking forward to, but the town has charm and is great place for an evening stroll.
My review of the place is here: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Show…ormandy.html#REVIEWS
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Definitely visit the Mont St. Michel (island) after the tour buses leave. So a great time to head out to the island is mid afternoon (ie. get there by mid afternoon, don’t leave Bayeux at that time). By the time you get to the old island itself the crowds will be thinning. It’s a bit of a climb up to the monastery, but the views are incredible as the great history and beauty of the place. Just be sure you don’t delay visiting the monastery too long (believe it closes at 6 pm but double check when you go). Also, there are often evening concerts to be enjoyed at the monastery, but you’ll likely be tired and ready to settle in for the evening and rest after your day’s visit.
We stayed at a small hotel on the east side of the causeway bridge (near where the tourbuses stop), which was fine. Le Relais du Roy. Nothing too fancy, but reasonably priced when we visited and you can drive onto Causeway area to park if you stay here. This hotel had a wonderful restaurant which we really enjoyed (try their appetizer seafood platter — absolutely amazing!) Advantage of staying here is that you get to see Mont St Michel lite up at night, and can head out there at sunrise to see the early morning light on at as well. Know that will appeal to the photographer in you.