A totally new dimension was added to our lives when a group of friends decided to visit Europe but not as tourists, living in and out of suitcases. Instead, we wanted to experience the French culture. Along with the hectic pace of going from country to country, and city to city, we decided to carve out a week for truly savoring the experience.

We spent that week in Normandy and met a wonderful family, while staying at their gites. We discovered a haven in Normandy, which became the launching pad for many subsequent visits. The camaraderie forged from open air barbeques, (accompanied by lots of local wine, cheese, and of course, calvados),  easy trips to nearby villages, for food and sightseeing, and practicing very basic French with the local residents, and trips further afield, for discovery, education, and poignancy, have remained indelibly printed on our minds.

It was from these experiences, that the idea of sharing our special place with others, who were also tired of traipsing around from place to place, was born. Michael and I  wish that you take away from this experience, not a blur of half-formed impressions, but a rapture of memories that will refresh and revitalize you until the next time you come “home” to Normandy.

Some of our best moments were spent strolling or riding along the Vieux Pont country roads, listening to the babble of the brook, or sitting on a park bench watching the French children kick around a soccer ball.

Riding along country roads



One day, I was sitting with my girlfriend,  on a bench under a tree
(of course sipping a glass of wine),
when this cute, energetic dog ran up and started chasing
Alex's adorable daughter, Molly.
Sure enough, its owner (an ex maire) appeared huffing and puffing,
calling to the dog and speaking rapid, incomprehensible French to us.
(Imagine our dismay after just completing 6 months of French tutoring in Miami)
We did manage however, to conduct a very interesting dialogue,
using many hand gestures and a lot of pantomime.
Unexpected, yes. Memorable…oui, oui !!!!



Alex taking charge of the "energetic" French dog