Welcome to La Basse Rivière
The original house was built in 1842 at a cost of 850FF (about £85 in 2006) and is situated in the rural setting of Colombières, a small village about 15km west of Bayeux in Normandy. In fact, there are two separate houses in 1950m2 (about 1/2 an acre) of enclosed, private gardens with a double garage and outbuilding. There are currently two double and two single beds.
Normandy is ideal for cycling since it is mainly undulating hillside rather than the Alps! Omaha Beach is just five miles to the North. The Omaha Golf Course is about 1 mile from the Beach.
Cuisine
Colombières is situated in the heart of the Calvados region of Normandy, famed for its cider making and fiery, potent apple brandy. Normandy is a predominently farming community and mainly dairy farming at that. So, there is emphasis on cheese, cream, apples, pork and cider.
On many menus you will see a "Trou Normande" offered between the starter and the main course. This is a small glass of Calvados to clean the palate.
History
Looking through the Vine.
Directly North is Omaha Beach, one of the major landing sites for the D-day invasion of 1944. Indeed all five major landing sites (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches) are accesible within 1/2 hours drive. One of the most interesting (and poignant) sites is the Pointe du Hoc, that was taken by US Rangers on the first day. It has been left largely untouched.
To the east is the city of Bayeux, where the tapestry depicts the story of William The C Basse Rivièreonquerer's victory over Harold to take the English throne in 1066.
Getting There
The main ports of departure from the UK are Portsmouth or Poole with regular sailings by the main ferry operators. Crossings go to Cherbourg (4 hours by ferry or 2.5 by fast craft), Caen (Ouistreham, 6 hours from Portsmouth) and Le Havre (4 hours). From Cherbourg or Caen it's just a 45 minute drive to the house, Le Havre is a little futher away at 1.5 hours.
Further Afield
There are numerous places to visit within easy reach ... here are some suggestions.
- The Chateau de Balleroy is about 30 minutes drive, where a balloon festival is held each July.
- Mont St. Michel is about 1 hours drive away near neighbouring Brittany. The Mediaeval town of St. Malo is just over the border.
- Paris is about 3 hours drive or just two by the TGV (fast train). If you drive then break your journey at Giverny (near Vernon on the autoroute) and visit Monet's Garden.
- The Loire Valley is about 3 hours to the South. The most picturesque parts are between Tours and Angers.