The Area
Normandy
The village of la Chapelle d'Andaine has a sleepy charm that is relaxing and comfortable and a perfect spot to discover this interesting part of Normandy. The location of the house benefits from easy access to local shops and amenities. A selection of Normandy calvados cellars can be found just up from the house on the market square, also a great selection of wines from the cellars and shop, and are a must visit, as France and its Normandy region have such a great history with its clever use of grapes, apples and pears!
La Chapelle is only a short drive away from the famous spa town of Bagnoles de l'Orne and on various Le Mans racing dates, can be seen some great cars from the early years on their way through this old spa town to or from Le Mans. Built in the centre of a vast forest region, Bagnoles de l'Orne is at once picturesque and cosmopolitan in atmosphere, offering its visitors a historic spa, lots of great restaurants, a boating lake, a casino, an impressive golf course and magical woodland walks. Nearby, the fortified hillside town of Domfront is a must visit with its castle ruins and medieval streets. The Château at Lassay is another must see for visitors to the area.
La Chapelle d`Andaine local facilities include:
2 Boulangeries * a bouchère * a very good supermarket with fuel * 2 banks * a coiffure * a chaussure * chemist, tabac, etc. 5km from Bagnoles de l'Orne (charming spa town, lake, restaurants, shops and boutiques, casino, golf) * 13km E of Domfront (château, old town, all facilities) * 11km N of Lassay (lakeside château, market town). The house would also be a great stop over for visiting Le Mans.
The "Roche d'Oëtre"
La Suisse Normande, or Swiss Normandy, is a small area spanning the border of the Calvados and Orne departments between Falaise and Condé-Noireau, and is so called because of its pretty hilly terrain.
The "Roche d'Oëtre", in the picture above, has a drop of 118 metres or about 450 ft to the valley below. It is a popular tourist spot but not for the faint-hearted!
List of Places of interest:
(Please see our links page to help you find their websites and more information)
Bagnoles-de-l'Orne
A Spa town, with a beautiful central lake with boats / pedalos for hire and a casino, spa, cafés, restaurants and shops. There are pleasant walks through the wooded adventure play area.Bayeux Tapestry museum - Tapisserie de Bayeux
The 70 meter long Tapestry (Calvados) celebrating the conquest of England by William the Conquer in 1066, listed as a "Memory of the World" by UNESCO.Normandy Beaches
Visit the D. Day landing beaches of Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword and Utha, make a day of it and take in the Bayeux Tapestry museum as well.Domfront
A local Medieval town & Castle ruins, well recommended for a visit.Fougères
Boasts possibly the best example of an Ancient Châteaux throughout the whole of France, a beautiful old Church & splendid gardens as well as the old town with restaurants and Curiosity shops.Gorron
Go fishing in a private carp lake (1lb - 40lb) catch possible, (throw back), just outside the town of Gorron.Jublains
Extensive Roman ruins and a wonderful museum, the town of Jublains used to be a roman settlement and still visible today are the sites and ruins of the fort, baths, temple and theatre.Lassay le Châteaux
A beautiful Châteaux set in an attractive town, the Châteaux is open to the public daily with guided tours.La Ferté-Macé
Has a good size lake, and provides facilities for supervised bathing from sandy beaches, water sports and waterside bar/cafe.Le Mans
A city perhaps more famous for home of "The 24 Hours of Le Mans" (24 Heures du Mans) which is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923. A must visit for all car enthusiasts.Laval
With its 27 hole golf course, is the largest town in the Mayenne and has a local karting track suitable for adults and children.Mayenne
The church of Notre Dame founded in the year 1110, with boats and pedalos on the river, a weekly market (Mondays) open air concerts during the summer, riverside walks, indoor swimming pool. The Forest of Mayenne is great for walks & cycling.Mount Saint Michel
The unique island monastery just off the coast near St Malo and accessed by a causeway, a visit to France is not complete without a trip to this remarkable island.Saulges
Stunning prehistoric caves, with stalactites and stalagmites and walks through a Glacial valley.Sainte Suzanne
A medieval town near Saulges, worth a visit, if you're passing.Le Ferté-Clairbois
(South of Saint Suzzane) they have medieval jousting and banquets weekly during the months of July & August.St Fraimbault
A small village renowned for summer floral displays.St Leonard de Bois
In the area know as Alp Mancelles, aerial walkways (not for the faint-hearted) & woodland walks.We hope you find this list helpful and look forwarding to you staying at our relaxing Normandy holiday home or Gite (cottage).