La Chataigneraie

High-class, self-catering vacation cottages in the heart of the Normandy countryside — the perfect rural location for your gite holiday in France.

Situated at the heart of an area steeped in legend and mystery, La Chataigneraie lies amid 30 acres of ancient pasture and orchard in the lush, rolling countryside of Basse Normandie. Built on a prehistoric sacred site overlooking the landscape in all directions, this a magical place and offers a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind in beautiful, peaceful surroundings within easy reach of the region's numerous attractions.
Established for more than forty years, accommodation is provided by way of three spacious, stone-built gites (cottages) - ideal for families, individual, or group bookings. Whether you are looking to explore the many delights of this region, or just wanting to escape the world for a while, La Chataigneraie is a lovely place to be.

Named for its many sweet chestnut trees (which once provided the staple diet for the farmers who worked this land), La Chataigneraie is a haven for wildlife, including red squirrels, badgers, foxes, stone martens and a rich variety of bird life, such as buzzards, owls, kestrels, woodpeckers, herons and jays. It is also home to the owners, Steve and Nicky; horses; ponies; pygmy goats; ducks; Jasper the Dalmatian, and Pippin the cat.

The three gites are self-contained and comfortably furnished, with each comprising of: two double bedrooms (with a double and a single bed in each); a sitting/dining room; kitchen; bathroom, and separate wc. Heating is by electric radiators and log fires, for which wood may be obtained at a small cost. There is no tv, dvd or video(although there are plenty of books), and we find our guests welcome this and relish the opportunity to enjoy other pleasures!
("It was fantastic to relax in such wonderful surroundings, so peaceful especially as we had no TV, radio, phones, etc." S.M.)

Each gite is provided with garden furniture and a barbeque and guests are very welcome to make full use of the extensive grounds, which include a boules court shaded by apple and yew trees, swings, table-tennis, and plenty of open, grassy space for children to play in safety while the grown-ups relax.
("The setting is fantastic .... the children loved the freedom of being in such a lovely place." T.A.)

Converted from the former stables, the gites face onto a central courtyard with the farmhouse, a circle of standing stones and an old bread oven completing the square. Steve and Nicky, the owners, are on hand to help with any problems that may arise, and are happy to offer advice and information if needed. (They are also happy to play the odd game of rounders in the interests of exhausting the children!)

The location is extremely rural, but the nearby market town of Gorron (7 kms) has all facilities (supermarket, bank, doctor, chemist, etc). There is also a swimming pool - open air in summer - and the regional water sports centre of Mayenne is a short distance away at Ambrieres-les-Vallees.

Bookings may be made by the week and we are happy to be flexible as to start dates so that guests may take full advantage of the cheaper mid-week sailings. We also offer a special rate for short stays - eg, long weekends.

Location

La Chataigneraie is located on the border of the departments of Orne and Mayenne, some 7 kms from the market town of Gorron. It is an easy drive from several of the Channel ports and airports: Caen - 1.5 hrs; St-Malo - 1.5 hrs; Le Harve - 2.5 hours; Cherbourg - 2.5 hrs; Boulogne - 3 hrs; Calais - 4 hrs; Dinard 1.5 hrs; Rennes - 1 hr.

Full details of how to find us are provided upon booking but, if you're looking at a map, we are due south of Caen, some 30 kms south of Flers.

The area is ideal for rambling, cycling, rock-climbing, watersports, horse-riding, fishing, and golf - the first ever golf course built in France is at nearby Bagnoles de L'Orne. Eating and drinking the local produce are also popular pastimes here!

For the children there are leisure/adventure parks, wildlife parks, pony riding and water sports facilities all within easy driving distance. However, if you prefer to stay put, our grounds are spacious and safe for playing and there are plenty of animals around to entertain.

Set astride the trail of Sir Lancelot du Lac of Arthurian legend, La Chataigneraie provides a base from which to explore many sites of interest. Standing stones and Dolmens abound in the area, and include our own Menhir which stands on the edge of a copse as a tangible reminder of an ancient past. Sir Lancelot is reputed to have been a local man and his famous lake can be found at nearby Passais-la-Conception, home of ancient monument, La Table au Diable (The Devil's Table).

La Chataigneraie also lies on the Cider, Perry and Calvados route, which takes in undulating countryside speckled with apple and pear orchards (ablaze with blossom in April) and offers the opportunity for tasting at local farmhouses and chateaux.

Medieval Domfront, with its narrow streets, 11th century castle and numerous historic buildings is nearby; Mont-St-Michel, St-Malo, Dinan and Fougeres are all within easy driving distance. Bayeux, with its famous tapestry, makes an ideal day trip and in the opposite direction are the beautiful chateaux of the Loire. There are also many magnificent chateaux nearby, such as those at Carrouges and Lassay-les-Chateaux.

Normandy's significance in World War II is inescapable. The D-Day landing beaches are a reasonable drive away, as are the war museums and Peace Memorial at Caen. Much nearer to home is Saint-Fraimbault, renowned as the most floral village in France having swept the board of awards many times in succession.

This is a wonderful area to explore, but if peace and relaxtion is your aim, you will find it here.

Comments from the visitor's book

"What an idyllic place to relax and unwind. Very enjoyable stay. Sure we'll see you again for longer next time." MH, Staffs.

"Wonderful place, so relaxing, wish we could stay for longer." MH, Warwickshire

"We really did enjoy our stay with you. You could not ask for better hospitality anywhere and you will see us again in the future." CS, W Midlands

"I cannot think of a nicer place for my son to have had his 2nd birthay! We will miss you all... especially the goats!. Thanks for everything. K.R. California

"Thank you so much for all the time you gave us. Letting the children meet all the animals was wonderful for them. Beautiful surroundings... hope to return again some day soon." PK, Kent

"What a wonderful place. Like the UK was 50 years ago. We can't wait to return, for longer next time." AS, Warwickshire

"A lovely, relaxing place to stay and good base for our excusions!. Just perfect. Will definitely come again." MT, Cheshire

"Fifth visit in two years! We have never visited anywhere that we have wanted to return to before. A brilliant time as ever." MD, Oxon

"La Chataigneraie and its surroundings are beautiful. Thank you. A wonderful place to be!" FB, Warwickshire