Wonderful guests…
We’ve just had another amazing review on tripadvisor and we’re always getting emails from guests once they’ve got home to say how much they enjoyed the stay here in Normandy.
It’s all very humbling for us and for us it’s part of the reason we try to make Le Gaudin as special as possible. We’re passionate about ‘adding’ to the memories of your travels, even if you’re only with us for the night.
We’re always trying to do justice to the region and the French way of life to ensure that we’re able to pass that onto you for however long you’re with us.
Thank you to all our guests, both those to come and those that have shared Le Gaudin with us.
The new season is on its way
We’re really excited for the upcoming season and all the new adventures that await. New travellers with their own stories of Normandy and beyond will either pass through or stay awhile to soak up the culture and visit the history of the region. We can’t wait to meet you all and look forward to welcoming you to the Le Gaudin.
The Summer has been great so far
Apart from the odd rainy day we’ve had a great summer so far. Our guests have been spending time in the grounds, soaking up both the sun and the Normandy way of life!
Of course the grass grows a bit quicker at this time of year, so Clive gets to play on the mower even more too.
Our guests have loved the local Calvados and the fact that we have so many great Normandy cheeses produced in the region. They’ve been on tours to see how Camembert is produced and of course then sampled some with some wine when back at Le Gaudin.
We had a lovely tripadvisor review recently where our guests thought that staying at Le Gaudin felt more like they’d been personally invited to a grand manoir and not a B&B. That was a wonderful comment and maybe explains a little how big our lounge and dining room really are!
There’s plenty more of the summer to come and we’re getting lots of bookings from families either staying with us on their way down or back from their holidays further south. Of course we’d always recommend staying around longer as there’s so much history and culture to be had locally. Just look at our ‘History’ or ‘Links’ pages to get a flavour of Normandy.
‘Til next time, Clive.
We’re surrounded by great cheeses!
Le Gaudin is very lucky being situated in the Calvados region of Normandy, not only because of the beautiful landscape, culture and history, but also the gastronomy.
Cheese plays a big part in the daily life around here and of course we try to stick to eating some every day! But of course this isn’t just any cheese, these are some of the worlds most famous, and they’re local. These include Camembert, Pavé d’Auge, Livarot, Pont l’Evêque, Neufchatel, Boursin, Brillat-Savarain and Brin de Paille.
There’s even tours you can take to see how these wonderful delights are produced and you can sample along the way too.
Safe to say then, and without trying to sound cheesy, a visit to Normandy isn’t complete without eating some whilst you’re here and then taking home more to share too.
Here’s a nice link explaining some of the cheeses produced locally https://www.cookipedia.co.uk/recipes_wiki/Category:Basse-Normandie_cheeses
Great places to visit in Normandy
Brittany Ferries have brought millions of travellers to Normandy over the years, so they’re very well placed to discover what their passengers have enjoyed whilst in the region. Here’s a great list that they’ve compiled and maybe you’ll be here soon to agree!
1. Tapisserie de Bayeux
A visit to the Bayeux Tapestry is a great way to get kids interested in some history. The nearly 70m long tapestry depicts the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and there’s also a short film that explains all about the events that inspired the tapestry. Film showings and audio guides are available in English.
Find out more » Tapisserie de Bayeux
2. Mémorial de Caen
This incredible museum is a must-see and caters for all the family (although it’s best for kids aged 7+ due to some of its content). You’ll learn all about Europe’s descent into war in 1939, the events of WW2 and D-Day and also its aftermath, including the Cold War. There’s even a recreated German bunker outside in the vast memorial gardens. And, it’s free entry for children under 10.
Find out more » Mémorial de Caen
3. Mont St Michel
A tidal island in a beautiful bay, topped by a majestic abbey – it’s the stuff of fairy tales, isn’t it? Climb the winding cobbled street, lined with souvenir shops, créperies and restaurants, to the Benedictine abbey at the top of over 900 steps. Kids will love the adventure of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find out more » Mont St Michel
4. Cité de la Mer
Clamber aboard La Redoubtable, the largest submarine open to the public in the world, discover the seas in 17 aquariums including the deepest aquarium in Europe and walk through some of the sumptuous rooms of the Titanic – all at La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg! A unique attraction all about life under and on the sea.
Find out more » Cité de la Mer
5. Festyland
Located just outside of Caen, this historically-themed amusement park is brilliant fun for younger kids. With rollercoasters, water slides, bumper boats, a medieval castle and more, it’s a perfect family day out. And, you can feel better about letting the kids play all day because they’ll be learning a little about Vikings, the Battle of Hastings and even the Belle Epoque too.
Find out more » Festyland
6. Zoo de Champrepus
Not just your usual zoo, the Zoo de Champrepus also focuses on plant life from around the world with its botanical garden. See the lions and tigers, gibbons and lemurs, giraffes, penguins and many other animals but in the botanical gardens you’ll also find bright macaws and elegant flamingos amongst the exotic plants from around the globe.
Find out more » Zoo de Champrepus
7. Monet’s Garden
Even if your children have never heard of Monet, Monet’s garden in Giverny is a beautiful garden for the kids to play in. Where Monet painted some of his most famous paintings, including the Water Lilies series, wander through the blossoming flower garden and the pretty water garden and see the beauty and colour of a garden laid out by an artist.
Find out more » Monet’s Garden
8. Château de Guillaume de Conquérant
Built by William the Conqueror and improved by his ancestors, this castle was the family seat and is an impressive military structure. An imposing sight on the hilltop, there are three keeps which have all been restored, a great hall and high enclosing walls that offer a great view and plenty of space to run around. Inside you can explore with augmented reality and videos.
Find out more » Château de Guillaume de Conquérant
9. Zoo de Jurques
With a Wild West themed petting zoo, where children can get up close with donkeys, goats and more and try their hand at being a farmer, there’s a lot for kids who like to get their hands dirty. In the main zoo there are lots of animals to see including rare white lions, giraffes, wallabies, parrots and spider monkeys.
Find out more » Zoo de Jurques
10. Pegasus Memorial
One of the first sites taken by Allied paratroopers in the early hours of D-Day, Pegasus Bridge was a vital point in securing the success of the Allied advancement. The original bridge was removed and replaced and is now on display in the grounds of the museum alongside a replica Horsa glider, which would have dropped the paratroopers.
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“The Highlight of our trip. Highly recommend, it is a wonderful, tranquil location… Just wish we could have stayed longer!”
The huge open living room is a delight, comfortable and full of interest and books. Bedrooms are vast and wonderfully comfortable.
A wonderful, tranquil location, a few minutes of the town of Aunay-sur-Odon and within half an hour of the D-Day beaches.