Normandy
Les Sablons is situated in lower Normandy around an hour and a quarter drive from the ferry port at Ouistreham, Caen. Although the cottage is in the middle of lush green fields and valleys, the coast is easily accessible. You can visit the sophisticated towns of Deauville, Trouville and Honfleur, the latter being worth a day’s visit by itself. Further west along the coast you can explore the D-Day beaches, visit Bayeux and Mont St Michel. Houlgate and Cabourg are lovely seaside towns with endless sandy beaches.
There are markets throughout the week in Argentan, Livarot, Vimoutiers and St Pierre-sur-Dives where you can buy fresh seafood, vegetables, charcuterie and cheese.
Champosoult/Vimoutiers
The area around Les Sablons is very rural with pretty small towns and villages. Go to the map below to see some of our favourites. The local town with a supermarket is a 10 minute drive away in Vimoutiers. Camembert cheese is produced in the next village and there is an abundance of apple trees providing locally-made cider and apple juice. There are plenty of lovely walks which you can take from the cottage. One of our favourites is to Montormel which has outstanding views of the area where the Battle of Normandy ended in August 1944. There is a museum which commemorates this.
Camembert is just down the road 
A duck pond near the house 
Beautiful farm houses 
Friendly neighbours! 
Many local restaurants 
Vimoutiers
Honfleur
This seaside town is one of our favourites and we have a day trip there every time we visit the house. There are many interesting antiques shops, art galleries and excellent seafood restaurants. The composer Erik Satie lived in Honfleur so you can visit his house and museum. There were more great artists from this area… One of the great attractions of Normandy is Monet’s waterlily garden and museum which is a two hour drive away from the cottage.
Falaise
Falaise is a half day trip where you can visit the castle of William the Conqueror; a real mixture of the original castle and modern renovations. There is also a WW2 museum dedicated to civilian life. There are lots of small bars dotted around for afterwards or you can book a table at La Fine Fourchette for a special treat.
Other places worth a visit
Camembert/Liverot
Camembert is the next village to Les Sablons with a museum and shop. The Fromagerie Graindorge in Liverot is worth a trip for cheese lovers.
Mortrée
It is well worth the drive to see this incredible gothic chateau, Chateau d’O, with it’s surrounding moat and grounds. The chateau is open in August and tours are conducted in English and French.
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
This hidden village has been named one of France’s most beautiful villages. Painters loved exploring its winding streets, medieval churches and dramatic scenery.
Mont-Saint-Michel
This small tidal island is well worth a visit and you are rewarded with stunning views when you reach the top.
Alençon
There are a number of interesting buildings around Alençon dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. It is a beautiful town to spend the day wandering around.
Haras-du-Pin
A visit to Le Pin-au-Haras, the French National Stud is a must for the magnificent buildings and the horses, who are equally magnificent. Lunch at La Tete au Loup just outside makes a perfect day.
Food
There are many restaurants in the local towns surrounding Les Sablons. If the locals eat there, then you know it is going to be good. There is a list of restaurants at the cottage and you can always ask the caretakers, Jill and Adrian for their recommendations.
Map
There are so many places to visit and explore.
At the end of the day…
You can find out more about Normandy here. Wherever you have been during the day, you can always return to the peace of Les Sablons:
