Are you looking for a holiday gite in Normandy where you can unwind and relax? Would you like to visit Mont St Michel, the D-Day Beaches and Bayeux?

Orchard Gites at La Foucaudiere are the perfect place to stay if you are planning a break in France. Nestling in the heart of Lower Normandy, this restored longere farmhouse offers both self catering and B&B accommodation, which is suitable for couples, single guests and of course, families.

Only 1 hour from to the ferry port of Ouistreham, 1½ hours from Dinard airport and 2½ hours from Paris by train, the gites are conveniently located within easy reach of many of the historic sightseeing destinations in Lower Normandy.

Why not spend some time relaxing in the pleasant gardens surrounding the gites or stroll along the lane and admire the lush, rolling scenery so typical of the ‘bocage’ region. Orchard Gites are situated in the hamlet of La Foucaudiere, close to the pretty village of St Quentin les Chardonnets. The small, medieval town of Tinchebray with shops, bars and banks is only 4km away. Visit Vire and Flers, local towns which hold regular, bustling markets, where you can sample the specialties of the region and buy an abundance of local produce.

Things to do near Orchard Gites
This area of Normandy offers a choice of leisure activities including walking, cycling and horse riding. For the more adventurous, nearby Swiss Normandy boasts dramatic gorges which are ideal for rock climbing. Why not hire a kayak and make your way along the beautiful River Orne? Bungee jumping off the Viaduc de la Souleuvre may be a little too daring for you but it certainly makes a great spectator sport!

The Vire golf course, ’La Dathee,’ has recently extended to 18 holes and it has been well recommended by guests staying here at the gites. You will not only enjoy a good game of golf but can admire the stunning views over the Lac de la Dathee. Sailing dinghies are available to hire from the ‘Centre Nautique’ down by the lake-side or take out a pedalo – great fun for the family! If you like to go fishing there are several well stocked lakes nearby – bring your catch home and barbeque some fish for supper.

Places to visit
Only a short drive from Orchard Gites is the quaint old town of Domfront with it’s historic ruined castle. Stop on the way and discover the abbey of Lonlay and if, whilst you are looking around, you are tempted by the appetising aroma of freshly baked biscuits you can pop into the biscuit factory where you can buy some delicious cookies. From Domfront you can go on to Mortain and take a walk to La Grande Cascade - the waterfalls make a pleasant spot for a picnic. Alternatively, visit the attractive spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne and linger over a coffee in one of the numerous cafes.

The zoo at Jurques is a lovely day out for all the family and is only half an hour away. It is the home of the legendary white lion as well as many other fascinating animals from different parts of the world. No holiday is complete without a trip to the sea. The beaches of the Cotentin peninsula are wide and sandy and stretch for miles. It is a pleasant drive to the coast , passing through the forest of St Sever and the town of Villedieu les Poeles, which is famous for it’s copper- ware.

Whatever you choose to do when you visit Lower Normandy you can be certain that a warm welcome and the promise of a very pleasant stay awaits you here at Orchard Gites.

Art Tuition. Make the most of your visit to Normandy by learning new creative skills. Our Residential Art courses run during May, June and September. All abilities welcome. We also offer workshops for adults every Tuesday morning during July and August. and children’s workshop every Wednesday during the summer holidays. To find out more please click here.