A SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF LOCAL ATTRACTIONS.
Neighbours
La Hannetot is situated next to a working dairy farm, but don't worry, the cows are not nosey neighbours, La Hannetot is mainly surrounded by high hedges. However, in the summer you may still see some new-born calves.
The Lane
Beuzeville Centre
Crêperie/Carrefour
Pont Audemer
Thankfully, today we go to Pont Audemer for a very good value basic Italian La Tour de Pise, which is a few shops to the left of the church. It's usually full of French people, always a good sign, and has 3 course menus for about 16 euros and we have always found them to be friendly. Don't be put off by the 'Wimpy' like decor.
Also, we go for Decathalon - just outside of town, which sells cheap-as-chips sports gear for almost every sport, and nearby Bricomarché, yes it is a DIY shop but also has a large display of lovely interior/gift ideas.
There are a large number of boutiques and other shops in Pont Audemer.
Pont de Normandie
This stunning bridge connects Eure and Le Havre - some Normans would say this is not a good idea! However, it is useful for tourists and and Le Havre has been given World Heritage Status, although it's not immediately obvious why. It's about 8 minutes from the house and if you travel from Dieppe or Le Havre you will cross it. There is a toll charge of 5 euros.
Honfleur
The historic basin in Honfleur with a selection of its waterside restaurants.
The carousel at Honfleur. Artist unknown.
Deauville
Deauville's chic promenade boardwalk complete with Hollywood beach huts. www.deauville.org
Centre Court
you will need a tennis license to play in tournaments, contact www.fft.fr
Crazy Golf
Below is Crazy Golf at Caborg, considered a much more hard-core challenge! (by some sad competitive individuals) .. but more thought has been given to the landscaping.
Deauville Casino. www.casino-deauville.fr
The Clairfontaine racecourse in Deauville
Polo at the Deauville Hippodrame Racecourse. www.hippodromesdeauville.com
Polo hunks
Brad and Ang photographed on the red carpet at the American Film Festival. www.festival-deauville.congres-deauville.com
Trouville
The beach at Trouville by Boudin
Etretat
Etretat's famous rock formation La Porte d'Aval, which Guy de Maupassant calls l'éléphant.
The Cider Route
Traditional pressoir found on the cider route in Cambremer (40 minutes from house) featuring over 40km of working farms offering delicious tastings of cider and apple juice. Taxi advised! www.cambremer.com
Landing Beaches
The American War Graves featured in the film "Saving Private Ryan", which is available to watch at the house and is highly recommended. There is not much to see on the beaches, except Arromanches where there is the remains of a section of the portable harbour used by the allies. However, it is still worth going to reflect on what took place. The D Day musuem there has a very good film which explains the enormous scale and subterfuge that took place to make the invasion possible. The English Audio tapes aren't very good, but it is worth persevering because the story is incredible. www.normandy1944.com
Bayeaux
Harold's eyeful. What more can I say about this world famous historic artefact? It is unique and the film is worth watching to help you appreciate the subtleties of the work. www.tapestry-bayeaux.com
ROUEN
The Cathedral at Rouen (30 minutes away) by Monet. This painting is hung at La Louvre, in Paris, about 2 hours from the house (my estimate) or 1 1/2 hours (with my husband driving ...). There is also le Musé
Giverney
Monet's famous gardens. Tip - go early before the coaches loaded with American tourist arrive, it kinda kills the tranquility. www.foundation-monet.com
Chateau Beaumesnil
I would love to go to some more of the beautiful gardens in Normandy, but as I have two teenagers, that's not going to happen for a few years. This one has been referred to as the "Norman Versailles" www.chateaubeaumesnil.com
Chateau Vendeuvre
This exquisite chateau is famous for many things, including its 18th Century interiors, its two mazes, its "surprise gardens" and a display of bedding for pampered pooches!! You may even get the kids to go to this one! www.vendeuvre.com
Chateau de Canon
Another beautiful garden. www.chateaudecanon.com