ORCHARD GITES, on the border between Calvados and Orne in Lower Normandy, are the perfect location for your holiday in France. We offer self-catering and B&B accommodation which is suitable for couples, single guests and families.

Nestling in the heart of the beautiful Normandy countryside between Vire and Flers, this restored 'longere' farmhouse is located within easy reach of Mont St Michel, the D-day Beaches and Bayeux. We are only 1 hour from the ferry port of Ouistreham, 1½ hours from Dinard airport and 2½ hours from Paris by train.

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 specialities of the region and buy an abundance of local produce.

Take time to relax in the pleasant gardens surrounding the gites or explore the local lanes and enjoy the beautiful, rolling scenery so typical of the 'bocage' region.

Make the most of your visit to Normandy by learning new creative skills. Our workshops run from April to October with children's workshop every Wednesday during the summer holidays. To find out more please click here.

Things to do near Orchard Gites

This area of Normandy offers a choice of leisure activities;

In the attractive grounds of a ruined chateau at Mont Cerisy, a short drive away, you will find forest walks, crazy golf, tennis courts and a children's play area.

For the more adventurous, nearby Swiss Normandy boasts dramatic gorges with spectacular views from La Roche d'Oetre where there is also a treetop adventure park. Alternatively, why not hire a kayak and make your way along the beautiful River Orne? If you want to explore the countryside on horseback book a ride at Reinhill Ranch. Bungee jumping off the Viaduc de la Souleuvre may be a little too daring for you but it certainly makes a great spectator sport!

The18 hole golf course at Vire, 'La Dathee', 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.

Bargain hunting at the attic sales held in the local villages is always fun on a Sunday and you will undoubtedly find something with that French vintage charm to take back home with you.

Places to visit

The quaint old town of Domfront, with its historic ruined castle, is a short drive from Orchard Gites. Stop on the way and discover the ancient abbey at 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 watch the world go by 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 its copper- ware. Granville is an pretty seaside town boasting numerous seafood restaurants and from where where you can take a day trip to Jersey or the Iles Chausey.

This area is well known for cider, calvados and cheese so make the most of this opportunity to sample some whilst you are here.

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.