OUR NORMANDY ADVENTURE
Tedd and Liz Walmsley embark on a road trip to Normandy, enjoying the stunning French countryside and staying at the beautiful Chateau de l’Angotiere
Liz and I are unashamedly Francophiles. I love the history and culture and often spend time when on a trip looking at the incredible cities, museums and chateaux along the way. Liz loves the style and fashion and we both enjoy the diversity and quality of the finest foods and wine this country has to offer.
This year’s road trip was to the Normandy region – a new adventure in Liz’s old Audi A4 convertible. Neither of us have been before, and my pre-holiday research revealed a wonderful mix of cities, coastlines and countryside, along with history to explore and, of course, gastronomic delights to be indulged.
The culmination of this stunning trip was our visit to the Chateau de l’Angotiere – a family owned property set deep in 60-acres of magnificent countryside, but still very easily accessible via the autoroutes and ports. This nine-bedroomed chateau is available as a complete booking. Just imagine bringing a group of friends or family to enjoy this glorious property together. Over the last 12 years it has undergone renovations and has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, now in a state that truly is magnificent. It is set up to accommodate large groups in comfort and style, but with no sense of formality.
Normandy is well-served with ferries from the UK. Cherbourg, Le Havre and Caen ports, are no more than one hour away from the chateau, and whilst the Euro-tunnel is no more than 250-miles away, the French autoroutes are fast and efficient, so even the drive from Calais is painless and quick.
Upon our arrival we were warmly welcomed by the guardiennes, who encouraged us to explore each and every room, providing us with a potted history of the chateau. Steeped in history itself, and indeed liberated from German occupancy by the Americans in August 1944, we were quickly immersed in its glorious past.
The house is simply stunning, yet very much a home from home. The kitchen has been carefully thought through and designed by a local chef, and has everything required for self-catering on a larger scale. With well-stocked cupboards filled with items left by previous guests, there are no excuses not to cook up a feast for family and friends.
The on-site team can however arrange catering, including guest chefs and housekeeping, for those of us keen to be spoiled. With the weather set fair, Liz and I opted for the more simple pleasures of sitting outside with a board of local cheese and charcuterie with bread and tomatoes from the local market. For me, a glass of Normandy’s finest cider and for Liz it has to be rosé all the way (French, of course, and perfect for the occasion).
The nine bedrooms vary in size, from the truly sumptuous master suite to more modest yet delightful rooms arranged over the upper two floors. There are plenty of combinations to suit adults and children alike.
The chateau is perfectly positioned for a visit to the top sites in the area. Three of Normandy’s ‘must-visits’ are the D-Day beaches, Mont St Michel and Bayeux and its tapestries, all of which are close by. However, exploring the countless stunning nearby villages and taking trips to the wide open beaches of the Cotentin Peninsula make the choices of days out varied and limitless, and the decision very difficult indeed. Seven glorious days at the chateau sounds idyllic.
Our on-site hosts also confirmed my thoughts that with 60-acres of grounds, woodlands, tennis courts, rivers, an indoor games room and gym, it would be difficult to prise my family away from the chateau itself.
They would love to enjoy the simple pleasures it has to offer, together. The chateau is open all year round, including Christmas and New Year, and I can only imagine a wonderful experience in beautiful surroundings whatever the weather and season. Your trip would be a great one to make memories with your loved ones, and Liz and I certainly enjoyed our time there.
Is it expensive? I would say absolutely not. At £1,250 per night, but being able to house up to 18 guests, it is an affordable luxury. Previous guests have included families carrying out major celebrations including birthdays and anniversaries and groups of close friends sharing a holiday together with their children. I can heartily recommend the chateau for a luxurious and delightful trip away in ultimate comfort and style.
Visit the website at: www.normandyretreat.com
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