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The Haven Normandy Self Catering Gite

The Haven is a small guest house in rural Normandy, France, offering B&B and Self-Catering accommodation. We have renovated an old stone farmhouse, to provide comfortable accommodation, whilst retaining many of the original features. The house is in an elevated, peaceful setting, south-facing, with an acre of garden and beautiful views. It is situated on the outskirts of a small hamlet, in unspoilt, rolling countryside, halfway between St Lo and Mont St Michel. The nearest market town is Villedieu-les-Poeles, less than 15 minutes away.

In addition to Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering accommodation, we can offer the following additional facilities, if booked in advance, and subject to availability:

Evening meal on day of arrival (bed and breakfast guests only)
French Lessons
Use of yoga/meditation room
Relaxation Therapies (Massage, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Indian Head Massage)
Help with house-hunting, planning applications etc.

There is a large, mature garden at the front of the house, which is not overlooked, and which slopes gently down to the wildlife pond, and a productive, organic vegetable garden.

There are many trees, a variety of flowering shrubs, far-reaching views, and quiet places to sit and relax. Meals can be eaten in the garden, under the apple trees, weather permitting.

Our house is in the small, friendly hamlet of Le Mesnil Sauvage, with the village of Montbray about a mile away. It is dairy farming country, with gently undulating hills, green valleys, and many lakes and rivers - an area of great natural beauty.

Villedieu-les-Poeles, the nearest market town, is less than 15 mins. drive. This is a bustling, colourful town, which is particularly well-known for its copper workshops, some of which date back to the 12th century. In addition, there are pewter, lace, pottery, and clock workshops, plus a bell foundry, all of which are open to the public. The town has been called 'le fleuron du patrimoine artisanal normand' (the jewel of Norman artisanal heritage). There are many shops, cafes and restaurants, and every Tuesday morning there is a bustling outdoor market in the centre of town.

The region's strong artisanal tradition is celebrated in outdoor events throughout the summer. Almost every town and village has its annual fête or carnival, and even open-air jumble/boot sales have become popular in recent years. Within half an hour's drive of Villedieu-les-Poeles is Granville, the nearest seaside town, and also the larger towns of Coutances (with its beautiful cathedral), Avranches, and Vire. The Haven is about 45 minutes away from Mont St Michel, Bayeux and the D-Day Normandy Landing beaches.

We are easily accessible from the Channel ports of Cherbourg (1.5 hrs), Caen (less than an hour), or Le Havre (1.45 hrs). Access to the new A.84 motorway (Junction 38) is 10-15 minutes away. Calais and Boulogne are approx. 4.5 hours away. For those wishing to come by train, there is a direct service from Paris to Villedieu-les-Poeles(3 hours). We are of course happy to collect guests from the station, if required.