Wed 1 Dec 2010

Cottages Normandy

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Welcome to Cottages Normandy!

Well, you may be thinking… Why is the name of this site ‘Cottages Normandy’ when we are only advertising a single property? We wanted you to find our FANTASTIC property in Chasseguey, and you would never have found our original website as Chasseguey is not exactly the most common search phrases in google. In fact, we still have a hard enough time spelling it correctly!

We have previously spent a fortune on advertising with some of the “big name” players and it didn’t work that well.  The feedback was that our website was great – and we had a high booking conversion – but not enough people were finding us.  Hence, our reasoning behind buying the domain name with ‘Cottages Normandy’ in the title. We think we can do pretty well on our own!

Please feel free to book Chasseguey here ====> Booking Page

It’s not bad is it? We love it, and want to eventually retire here.

“Petit Chateau Chasseguey”

***Important Update – Chasseguey is booked solid until June 30th 2011***

Put down your bags, grab a large glass of red wine, throw a few logs on the open fire and relax at our beautifully restored Normandy rural retreat. You will be blown away by our early 19th century stone presbytery and its many hidden charms.

You will find yourself about 50 yards from the beautiful ‘Le Château Chasseguey’, and only a 5 minute drive from the large market town St Hilaire du Harcouet. Drive a further 30 minutes and you will be on the coastline admiring the sensational sandy beaches, bustling fishing ports and the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel. In summary, Chasseguey is ideally situated.

You will notice that “Chasseguey” offers a unique self catering holiday experience. For example, the furnishings, facilities and decorations are a cut above the standard Normandy ‘gite’. It could be the 50 inch plasma TV, or the luxury cast iron slipper bath which catches your eye. Or, if you are more of a traditionalist, it may be the huge open fireplace and spacious open plan kitchen which does it for you. Sipping a glass of fine Normandy calvados in front of the fire is the perfect way to end the day.

The huge south facing private garden may top it all though. It’s also fully enclosed so you can let the kids run wild without having to worry; just don’t let them eat the apples – they are not terribly sweet!

The D-day beaches and landing beaches are within easy driving distance, only one and a half hours away (north) for you historians. Others might just enjoy the ideal cycling, horse riding, fishing and walking environment. The Normandy countryside is truly something everyone needs to experience.

You also don’t have to worry about the language barrier if your French is below par; the lovely English speaking Mary, our handover lady, will meet you at the house and answer any questions you might have. She has been living in the area for over a decade and will gladly recommend site seeing activities, as well as the best restaurants in the area.

We urge you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility of the Normandy countryside. You will not be disappointed.

Check out all our photos of the house and surrounding areas.

====> The House (please visit here to find sleeping arrangements)

====> The Bedrooms

====> The Bathrooms

====> The Living Room

====> The Kitchen

We hope you will enjoy browsing our ‘Cottages Normandy’ website.

Remember, you can book on this website here:

====> Book Here!

or visit:

====> www.chasseguey15.com

For further and more detailed information.

Em and Dan

xXx

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Tue 25 Jan 2011

Why A Holiday Cottage Trumps A Hotel Room

Posted by under Cottages Normandy
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When you’re planning a vacation, there are certain things that are just considered to be essentials regardless of where you’re going. If you’re going far away, you’ll need plane tickets. You’ll also need to make a decision about a car rental. You also need a place to sleep, so you need a hotel reservation… or do you?

The fact of the matter is, more and more people are discovering what a wonderful alternative renting a private holiday normandy gites cottage can really be to staying in a standard hotel room. This is especially the case when it comes to vacations to regions where such cottages are plentiful and readily available, such as beautiful Normandy.

A holiday cottage is more private.

One of the worst things about staying in a hotel is the fact that a hotel room simply doesn’t offer you much in the way of privacy. If you’re traveling with friends or family, we’re talking cramped quarters and a lot of arguing over whose turn it is to use the bathroom. Then there are your neighbors to worry about. Paper thin walls can make it even more annoying than it would otherwise be to deal with someone noisy next door.

Rent a holiday cottage Normandy instead and all those annoyances disappear. You’ll get to enjoy all of the comforts of home including comfortable beds, a lovely view, plenty of space, and a fully stocked kitchen where you can cook your family hot meals a few nights a week. You’ll have your precious privacy kept well intact. You don’t have to worry about limiting check-out schedules either.

A holiday cottage is a better value.

Although you may find it hard to believe, a holiday cottage Normandy doesn’t cost all that much more than a hotel room would. This is especially the case if you’re looking to be there for a month or more. Hotel fees really add up when we’re talking about that amount of time, so your pocketbook will be thanking you for renting a cottage just as passionately as your nerves will!

A holiday cottage allows you to fully experience your vacation.

When you visit a place like Normandy as a tourist, you quite simply aren’t seeing the region the same way you would be if you were actually living there as part of the populace. A holiday cottage allows you to live among the locals and experience local life the same way they do – fully, totally and completely. You can take the same walks they do in the morning, shop at the same places and get to know your neighbors. In short, you’ll have the invaluable experience of actually becoming one of the locals for a while!

Finding the perfect holiday cottage Normandy is the same as anything else; you benefit from doing your homework.

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Sat 22 Jan 2011

Hotel Vs. Holiday Cottage — Which Is Better?

Posted by under Cottages Normandy
[31] Comments

When planning a vacation, there are just certain things that are givens. Plane tickets are probably necessary. You must also decide how you’re going to get around while you’re there, so you will need to think about renting a car or purchasing rail passes. You also need a place to sleep, so you need a hotel reservation… or do you?

The fact of the matter is, more and more people are discovering what a wonderful alternative renting a private holiday cottage can really be to staying in a standard hotel room. This is especially the case when it comes to vacations to regions where such cottages are plentiful and readily available, such as beautiful Normandy.

A holiday cottage is more private.

One of the worst things about staying in a hotel is the fact that a hotel room simply doesn’t offer you much in the way of privacy. If you’re traveling with friends or family, we’re talking cramped quarters and a lot of arguing over whose turn it is to use the bathroom. Then there are the people on the other side of the wall to worry about. Paper thin walls can make it even more annoying than it would otherwise be to deal with someone noisy next door.

Rent a Normandy Gites instead and all those annoyances disappear. You’ll get to enjoy all of the comforts of home including comfortable beds, a lovely view, plenty of space, and a fully stocked kitchen where you can cook your family hot meals a few nights a week. You’ll have your precious privacy kept well intact. Best of all, you don’t have to adhere to rigid check-out times.

A holiday cottage is a better value.

Renting your own Normandy Gites is actually not much more costly than a hotel room would be. This is especially the case if you’re looking to be there for a month or more. Hotel fees really add up when we’re talking about that amount of time, so your pocketbook will be thanking you for renting a cottage just as passionately as your nerves will!

A holiday cottage allows you to fully experience your vacation.

Being a tourist just isn’t the same as becoming a Norman local for a while. A holiday cottage allows you to live among the locals and experience local life the same way they do – fully, totally and completely. You can take the same walks they do in the morning, shop at the same places and get to know your neighbors. In short, you’ll have the invaluable experience of actually becoming one of the locals for a while!

If you’re planning a visit to Normandy anytime soon and are interested in finding out more about how to select the perfect Normandy Gites, get the most out of your vacation to the region and more by doing your homework first.

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Wed 22 Dec 2010

Normandy Cuisine

Posted by under Food in Normandy
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It is a well known fact the French are famous for their fabulous cuisine.  You will therefore be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the culinary delights Normandy has to offer.  If you think typical French food consists solely of snails and frogs legs then you are mistaken.  Why not see for yourself by visiting the wonderful restaurants in Normandy

If you would like to sample traditional French food then be sure to wander into a restaurant with menus written in the French language.  I strongly advise you to avoid restaurants in the tourist districts as not only are they are ridiculously overpriced but you are not likely to enjoy a typically French feast.

Unsurprisingly, it is cheaper to eat out at lunchtime.  However, if you do wish to eat out for dinner do not arrive before 7.30pm as not many places are likely to be open.

As for menu choice, avoid the a la carte where possible as it is much more expensive.  Most restaurants should offer a “menu prix fixe,” which is usually a greater (and cheaper!) option.  More often than not, there will be dishes on the “menu prix fixe “ that are also on the a la carte, and you’ll be getting a better meal deal.  Avoid the Menu Touristique like the plaque.

If you are a wine lover, named bottles can be quite expensive in restaurants.  You can always opt for the carafes of house red or white wine – these are usually carefully chosen by the restaurant and are great value for money!

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Tue 7 Dec 2010

Traditional Normandy Food

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Hi folks,

Here at ‘Cottages Normandy’ we want to be able to give you an idea of what kind of food to expect and sample when visiting Chasseguey. After all, food is a massive part of our lives, and we have had some fantastic experiences so far.

One thing to mention, is that you will rarely find ‘posh’ restaurants in the area. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but, generally to food is simple, rustic, without fuss and absolutely delicious. Ladies, dont bother bringing your heels either, its not unusual to see the local farmer taking his wife out wearing his work clothes! Dining in Normandy is no frills ladies and gents.

Dont be fooled though. Some of the best food we have ever tasted was eaten within a 10 mile radius of Chasseguey. And you dont have to pay a fortune for it either.

Let me explain to you a few of more traditional Normandy dishes so you know what you are getting yourself in for.

Scallops with crème fraîche and leeks

Believe it or not, scallops were once known as ‘la nourritue des pauvres’ or poor mans food but are now a delicacy all over the world. They are also extremely abundant in the Normandy area and are quite easy and cheapish to purchase and cook for yourself. Why not stay in at Chasseguey one night and give it a try? The house has full cooking facilities as well as basic herbs and spices for you to use free of charge. You can check out the full recipe at http://www.frenchentree.com, well worth a look.

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Fri 3 Dec 2010

Why You Should Consider a Golf Break in Normandy

Posted by under Normandy Attractions
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Hi Folks,

Here at ‘Cottages Normandy’ we want to give you as much interesting information as possible regarding your options when on holiday in Normandy. We found this article over at Ezine articles and thought it may be of interest. Dan loves his golf, and can vouch for Normandy and its underrated courses.

Why You Should Consider a Golf Break in Normandy

By Morgan Clarke

When tired of the same old courses in the UK, many golfers look to destinations like Spain and Portugal for their fix of greens and fairways to “attack”, but this isn’t practical for a short golf break. Normandy is the answer: It’s local for British golfers, has a wide selection of smart courses, some splendid hotels and enough attractions to keep you busy even when you’re off the courses.

The Location

Nowadays it’s easier than ever before to get across to France for a visit. Normandy is particularly easy, with a vast choice of traditional and super-fast ferries and the 35 minute Eurotunnel crossing. For golfers in the south, a golf break in Normandy is actually easier to get to than a trip up to Scotland.

Once you get there, Normandy is picturesque with a “very French” mix of ports and resorts, of villages and fields, of chateaux and bustling bars. It’s different enough to feel like a proper break, while comfortingly familiar to Anglophiles.

Hospitable Hotels

In terms of welcoming lodgings for a golf holiday, Normandy is very well served. There’s everything from the best in luxury and service (Hotel Normandy Barriere, Deauville), smaller charming hotels (Dormy House, Etretat) and city-based accommodation (Mercure Centre, Rouen) to choose from, and the service and atmosphere of them is very friendly. Many of these hotels have excellent restaurants but if you’re looking to explore further afield there are plenty of charming eateries offering very reasonable prices. Diners will of course be entranced with the famous seafood,

especially the shellfish. For non-fish eaters, Normans are hearty eaters and love cooking with cream and Calvados. And with a different cheese for every day of the year…Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Eveque are all local specialities.

Celebrated Courses

The best thing about a golf holiday in Normandy is its excellent courses. There are many good courses in the region but ones which deserve a special mention are Etretat (one of the best links in France and conveniently adjacent to the Dormy House hotel), Chateau de la Chouette (a real hidden gem!), Golf Parc (some of the best target golf in the country) and, my personal favourite, Champ de Bataille which is quite stunning and very testing in parts. All told, we recommend 21 courses golf courses in Normandy – you’ll be very pleasantly impressed with our choice.

Plenty to Do

Of course the region is best known for the historic Normandy beach landings of June 1944 and there’s plenty to honour the memory with some fascinating museums. On top of this, the region is also home to the Bayeux tapestry and the breathtaking Mont St. Michel – one of the most visited sites in the whole of the country.

For a bit of a change from the UK’s courses, a Normandy golf break is a great idea. It’s local, reasonably priced, has plenty to see and do and of course has some truly memorable golf courses. Take a golf holiday in Normandy and rediscover your love of the game.

Morgan Clarke is the Managing Director of French Golf Holidays, a company that has been providing bespoke golf holidays for over 25 years. They are experts in the best places to play and stay, offering golf breaks in Normandy and throughout the rest of the country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Clarke
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Consider-a-Golf-Break-in-Normandy&id=1710915

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