Thinking about a weekend break in Normandy this winter?
Maybe you want some much deserved downtime before the Christmas chaos begins!
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean northern France isn’t worth a visit. If you long for a little time spent doing typically French things, whether it’s just you two or a few family or friends, The Farmhouse at Le Tertre makes the perfect retreat…
Here’s how we’d spend a winters weekend in our little corner of Normandy…
The Farmhouse at Le Tertre
FRIDAY - Arrive and Slow Down
The rushing stops here.
Check-in, unpack (if you really want to!) and take a little time to breathe in the peace and tranquility.
Get the kettle on, or pour yourself a glass of something and settle into the cosy Farmhouse that’s home for the weekend.
Tip: Plan ahead! Come prepared for your first evening so there’s no need to leave the house. Bring whatever you’re thinking is the perfect evening meal along with some treats, you are on holiday after all. (Don’t forget something for breakfast too!)
First job - get cosy in The Farmhouse
Now, light the fire (there’ll be wood waiting for you!), get your favourite Netflix show lined up or settle down with that new book you’ve been excited to read.
Or fill the tub, light some candles and really start to let the peace and quiet take over.
That’s Friday sorted!
SATURDAY - After a slow start - Explore Normandy
Start the day right and enjoy a little breakfast in bed. It probably doesn’t happen often so take all the time in the world before you start to think about the day ahead…
Then wrap up warm, jump in the car and drive the short 10 minutes to lovely Lassay-les-Châteaux. (be sure to sneak a look at the fabulous Château de Torcé on the way!)
In Lassay, take a leisurely wander round the cobbled streets, pick up some delicious pastries at the patisserie Aux Délices de Lassay (stock up on croissants too for Sunday breakfast!) or fabulous cheeses at La Fromagerie and head to the impressive Château for a wander around. Once you’ve taken in all of the history, walk down to the lake and take a seat to enjoy your fabulously French lunch with a pretty special view.
Last stop is a stroll around the pretty rose gardens, even in winter they’re well kept and worth a look.
The fabulous Château de Lassay overlooking the lake - a great lunch spot!
After lunch: Brocantes and The Bocage!
No visit to Normandy is complete without a stop at a couple of Brocantes (shops or stalls selling vintage and antique items, traditional all over France!).
Luckily, Lassay has a couple perfect for your next stop…Brocante Lassay is right opposite the lake so you may have spotted its many treasures spilling onto the pavement whilst you had lunch! A bit bigger is The Cider Barn Brocante, ideally located half-way between Lassay and Le Tertre and currently open 2-5 every Saturday so you can plan your afternoon around this.
The rest of the day is yours… take a slow drive back to Le Tertre, stop off at anything that takes your fancy. You might want to take a walk to burn off those pastries! There’s lovely La Fosse Arthour about 20 minutes away, our very own lake at Ceaucé or nearby pretty Saint-Fraimbault, all ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll and great for the dog if he’s tagged along!
Our favourite walk is the Sunken Lanes route that goes from the campsite in Ceaucé. There’s really well marked routes of either 12km or 20km depending how energetic you’re feeling, or you can simply do your own thing and do a short route. Great for if you’ve bought the dog along too, you’re unlikely to see another soul.
If you’ve over-bought on the cheese, stop at one of the many local Poiré producers in the local area to sample and buy our famous local Normandy Pear Cider (or apple if you prefer!) which will make the perfect accompaniment for tea. Pacory-Ferme des Grimaux is just 10 minutes from Le Tertre.
After a busy day exploring take your pick… book a meal at L’Echauguette in Domfront for some delicious pizza or pasta, OR head back to Le Tertre for a cosy evening in your cottage armed with your cheese, pastries and Poiré!
Wrap up warm and light the BBQ on the decking! If you’re still full from lunch skip the burgers and just enjoy a ready made firepit to get cosy around! Get ready for some spectacular starry skies if you get a clear night!
Tip: Check the opening hours of any brocante, restaurant or poiré producer you plan to visit. These can vary from week to week so better check so you’re not to be disappointed!
Get the BBQ lit and end your day with a cosy firepit on the decking!
SUNDAY - All about Domfront-en-Poiraie
Tip: First, think about your evening meal and take the chance to visit one of the supermarkets before they close at lunch! Proxi in Ceaucé is open till 12 as is Lidl in La Ferté Macé or Carrefour in Ambrières-les-Vallès. The Farmhouse has big casserole dishes if you fancy a hearty French Beef Bourguignon or Coq-au-Vin!
Sunday is a good day to visit Domfront-en-Poiraie. Our lovely local medieval town that’s not to be missed.
Take a wander around the ruins and enjoy the panoramic views from the top, then head down into the old town and stop at Salon de thé mm Cakes where the cakes really are mmmmmm… a pretty special little spot and they’re open all day Sunday so no rush.
If you’re lucky enough to visit in the run up to Christmas, the medieval market is on 11-13 December.
Le Bistro St Julien in the old town is a great spot for lunch and open all day Sunday. The fabulous galettes are our favourite!
There’s 3 Brocantes to visit after lunch, all open Sunday afternoon 3-6pm. Just search for Rue des Antiquaires in Domfront.
The rest of day can be spent in front of the fire with a movie or a book whilst dinner slowly cooks in the oven.
MONDAY - Make the most of your last day here…
Depending on your travel times, there’s definitely something you can squeeze in on your way…
Not had enough coffee?- Drive to Bagnoles de l’Orne (about 25 minutes) and visit one of the many coffee shops in the famous spa town. Try Bella’s Tea Room or Le Café de Paris.
One more Château?- Take a drive to Mayenne around 25 minutes away and visit the Musée du Château de Mayenne.
Is it the dogs turn for a treat? - If you skipped the walk yesterday, head out to the sunken lanes, a local lake or even to Swiss Normandy! Only 45 minutes drive you’ll see some dramatic scenery that will have you doubting you’re in Northern France!
After all that…
It may not be the busy touristy Normandy you’ve heard of but we think you’ll love what this area has to offer.
You’ve will have had a taste of medieval towns, stunning châteaux, busy brocantes, delicious local food and most importantly you’ve sampled the slower pace of French rural life, all in one weekend!
Why The Farmhouse?
The fabulous Farmhouse at Le Tertre sleeps 6 and is quite simply the perfect base for exploring the area and the most peaceful, stunning, cosy cottage to come home to each day.
We of course are biased, so read the thoughts of those who’ve stayed and then come and see for yourself…
We look forward to welcoming you 🌿