When in Normandy...

a French chateau B&B

Where to stay?

When traveling to France for buying trips, I know just where I want to stay when I ask my taxi driver to escort me straight to 6th arrondissement of Paris. It is in this charming district where I feel at home, taking long walks down the Rue St. Germaine and visiting the quaint cafes and bistros. 

When I had the opportunity to visit the northern region of Normandy on a shopping trip with my friend Sharon Santoni, I wasn’t as sure about where to stay. Luckily, Sharon was, and her suggestion was well worth the trip!

that view!

Les Hautes Sources, located in the village of Ménilles offers the authentic charm of an old Normandy farmhouse surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking views across the Eure Valley. It is situated on the tallest part of the valley near the springs, hence the name of the estate.

18th century estate

 The B&B was once part of an old chateau, where the horses were stalled and the cows grazed in the surrounding pastures. The estate dates back to the middle of the 18th century and has managed to maintain that old-world feel.

 history

The warm hospitality of the owner Amaury only added to my stay. Upon arriving, he escorted me on a tour of the stunning property. As we walked through the garden where Amaury played as a young child, he shared stories about the history of the estate. It was a nice coincidence that his parents where friendly with the owners and when the property came up for sale, Amaury decided to change careers and begin the project of opening a bed and breakfast. Once restored, he and his wife Audrey knew it would be a magnificent destination as well as an ideal spot to raise their young family.

accommodations

The B&B is made up of 5 separate guest suites, all beautifully appointed with lovely French antiques, while offering modern amenities. In addition to the pool and tennis court, my favorite feature is their guesthouse treehouse. It has heat and sleeps 6 comfortably. It is truly a treat for big and small kids alike.

visiting normandy

I hope the next time you are traveling to France you will make a detour to this special part of the country. With easy access from Paris in less than an hour, it’s also only a 15-minute ride to Giverny where Claude Monet lived for many years. Monet’s home and garden were the source of inspiration for many of his paintings and are well worth the trip. The northern region of Normandy has many hidden gems including a 360-mile coastline with World War II landing beaches, bustling market towns, historic landmarks and the perfect place to relax between tours at Les Hautes Sources.

If you would like to contact Amoury and inquire about staying there, please take a peek at their website. You will not be disappointed.

xoxo,
Sandra