La Gandonniere, Nr. Avranches, Manche, Normandy

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La Gandonniere, Nr. Avranches, Manche, Normandy

Nearest town: Dinard

The Normandy countryside is much loved by holidaymakers, because it reminds them of what the countryside used to look like decades ago in other countries, prior to urban sprawl! Mile after mile of rolling fields, with hedgerows, beautiful trees and lots of animals. The area offers not just breathtaking views, but also a peaceful setting, ideal for relaxing, walking, cycling or exploring in the car.

The local cafes and restaurants offer wonderful food at incredibly low prices (by British standards). The sea is only a fairly short drive away, with sandy beaches.

Well known local attractions include:
Mont St. Michel (World Heritage site)
The waterfalls at Mortain
Villedieu des Poêles - the copper city
The Enchanted Village at Bellefontaine
Ange Michel (adventure park)
Zoo at Champrepus

NEW! A golf course/driving range has just opened at St. Senier sous Avranches, only 10 mins drive away. On the same site there is also an excellent equestrian centre, ideal for children learning to ride.

NEW! 10% discount in June, July and August for couples with no accompanying children! (Also available rest of year, if you do not qualify for any other discount). Important: Send enquiry BEFORE booking.

The house is detached and has all modern facilities, despite being situated in the heart of the Normandy countryside. One of the strongest points of the property is the fact that the double bedrooms are all of a good size - no squashed-in single rooms! The lounge/kitchen is also spacious, with beamed ceiling and wooden flooring. The room is purpose designed and does not, unlike many gites, have to double as a sleeping area. So it is possible to watch television when others have gone to bed. There is both French television (useful for watching the weather forecast!) and many English channels (via satellite).

The windows are double glazed, with shutters for use if you like a dark bedroom! There are electric heating convectors (wall mounted, with heat level thermostats) for the cold seasons. There are two WCs - a real bonus when urgency calls!

There is one large bedroom downstairs, with shower/toilet adjacent. The shower, however, is not recommended for disabled, obese or frail people, as the base is raised up and the entrance is not the wide type recommended for such people. There is a feature spiral staircase leading from that bedroom to another upstairs. This is also large and especially light and spacious.

If greater privacy is required, there is a third double bedroom in the room above the lounge, which is accessed via an open tread straight staircase. There is the convenience of having a bathroom/toilet adjacent.

Unlike the vast majority of holiday rental properties in the area, we allow pets to stay in the house, subject to a modest charge to cover extra cleaning. Any person(s) staying with a pet is required to keep it under control at all times and not to allow it to enter bedrooms or sit on furniture.

There are stunning countryside views from the property. The views from the upstairs windows are especially memorable and often commented upon by people staying here.

As the house is in a rural location, it is recommended that you come in your own car. Alternatively, car hire is available at both Dinard airport (Ryanair) and Rennes (Flybe). It is recommended to book in advance.

Upon arrival at the property, we will be waiting to greet you, explain all you need to know and answer any questions you may have. We do not live on site, so during your stay you will have complete privacy. However, we will give you our mobile phone number in case you have any questions whilst you are at the property. On the morning of your departure, we will come to the house to wish you farewell and a safe journey home.

The village has a pretty church and a bar run by English owners. There is a small lake in one direction and a forest and small river in another. The famous GR22 walking route passes near the village. Just north of the village there are the historical "Three Crosses" (Trois Croix), with a picnic area and a view that defies words!

In summer there is an outside swimming pool at nearby Brecey. There is a market there on Friday mornings. There are a fair range of shops there, also restaurants, cafes, and a "Super U" supermarket.

For bigger shopping, the town of Avranches offers almost everything you could want, including three large supermarkets. There is an excellent tourist centre there, too, as well as a Saturday market, lots of restaurants, and the famous "Jardin des Plantes" (park) with a view of St. Michel.

Another excellent town worth visiting is Villedieu des Poeles, which means "Gods town of the frying pans". The town specialises in making/selling pans in copper, plus a museum dedicated to the same theme. The shops are elegant and offer many items suitable as souvenirs (not just pans, far from it!)

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WholeEarthGuide.com Return to Basse-Normandie or France or World. For B&Bs and small hotels see Our Inns.

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