Markets

Markets are always a treat in France. Why not spend  a leisurely morning browsing the stalls, or spend an hour or two watching the spectacle from a pavement café? Most of the local towns have markets on different days, so there will always be one within easy reach. Details of where the markets are each day can be provided.

Walking / Cycling

Many walks are available both locally in Mellé, and further afield. The countryside is ideal for exploring on cycle. Christine and Kevin will be glad to share their knowledge.

Beaches / Coast

The beautiful coastlines of Brittany and Normandy are within easy reach, the nearest beach being only 30 minutes drive. Sailing, surfing, canoeing are all available, with tuition if required.

Sightseeing

Here is just a small sample of varied days out within easy reach of La Haute Vairie

The area is steeped in military history, there is the remains of a German Observation Post 200 yards from the house!  The American Cemetery at St James, (the largest American cemetery in Northern France) is 10 minutes away. The museum of the Second World War at Avranche, is a 20 minutes drive. The D-Day landing beaches are within a two hour drive, together with the sites of the major battles, Caen, St Lo, Mortain etc.

Pre Historic sites are numerous, the forest of Fougeres contains fine examples of stone circles and monoliths.

Pontmain, famous as a site of pilgrimage, with its beautiful church containing some of the finest stained glass windows in Northern France is a 20 minutes drive. Way marked trails of lengths varying from 5-21 km start and finish at the church.

Fougeres with its Medieval Quarter, Château , gardens, shops and forest is ten miles to the south.

Le Mont St Michel, famous for its Abbey, churches, shops and restaurants is a gentle 30 minutes drive away.

The town of Villedieu de Polles, famous for its brass and pewter  is 40 minutes drive.

St Malo, Dinard and Dinan are about an hours drive, all being beautiful ancient walled towns.