Bed and Breakfast in 19th Century Farmhouse

Le Grand Pont details

Home description

The large 19th Century farmhouse, Le Grand Pont, is located on the shallow slope of the Alliere valley in 5 acres of largely orchard and grassed land. It is a working farm with sheep and a broad range of poultry, and sits among a small cluster of farms collectively called Le Pont Alliere, just south-west of the village of Estry on the Vire/Aunay sur Odon road in the Calvados district of Normandy. The area largely consists of small villages dotted among rolling hills, pasture and woodland. It is a short drive from the D-Day beaches in the north, Falaise to the south-east and Mont St. Michel to the south-west.

Guests Comments

'Blissful athmosphere.'  Travis Miller, Seattle, USA.

'A wonderful home from home. Thank you.' The English family, Williamsburg, USA.

'Your house is wonderful. You live quite the ideal lifestyle. Thank you dearly.' Danielle Goodson, Berryville, USA.

'What a welcome from grownups, animals and best of all, two very polite children.' Carmel, Pete, Rose, Theo and Ruth, Chorley, UK

'What more can we say!! To have made such wonderful friends. Thanks for everything. We will be back.' Darren, Amande, Lily and Ethan, Brisbane, Australia.

'Wonderful food. We felt very welcome and relaxed. See you next year.' Alan, Craig, Lorna and Jim Cotter, Bexhill, England.

External features on site

• Barbecue
• Garden
• Scenic views

Accommodation detail

Bedroom 1: The oak beamed guest room, with windows facing open countryside north and south, is the largest bedroom in the house. Centrally heated, it contains a double bed, a single bed, a set of bunk beds and a three-piece suite. It is fully en-suite.

Bedroom 2: This large room looks out to the south over the little Alliere valley. Centrally heated, it contains a double bed. An additional bed or cot can be provided on request. The room also contains a television (French programmes). A separate bathroom/toilet is reserved for this room.

The eggs, most of the meat, fruit and vegetables in the evening meals are produced organically on the property or purchased from local markets, and the meals are served at the long table in the large farmhouse kitchen unless requested otherwise. The owners will attempt to cater for any special dietary requirements notified in advance.

The cider, while stocks last, is made and stored on the farm. (In the late autumn guests are welcome to assist in the process).

About the location

The Michelin Green Guide is strongly recommended as a key source of information on the area and its many features. Most of Normandy is within an hour's driving radius. Particular interests are Mont St. Michel, the high fortress town of Domfront, Villedieu-les-Poeles with its bell foundries and pewter and copper artisans, the picturesque port of Honfleur, Bayeux and its tapestry, Caen and its big shopping centre, Grandville and its Saturday market, castle and beaches on the west coast, Mortain and its water cascades and William the Conqueror's castle at Falaise.

Closer to Estry are Bagnoles de l'Orne with its chateau, lake and springs, the Suisse Normande, including Clecy with its miniature railway and river boating facilities, Vire and its Friday market, the Lac de Dathee, and the enchanted Valley of Bellefontaine.

For the military enthusiast Normandy offers a rich choice of monuments, war graves and battle sites as well as the D-Day landing beaches on the north coast. Almost all the towns and villages of Calvados feature in the histories of 1944. Before being liberated by the British. Estry was defended by the remnants of the 9th SS Hohenstaufen Panzer Division in the forming pocket which gradually trapped the exhausted German forces. Many of the campaign sites are within an hour from Estry. Falaise was the focal point of the pocket. At St. Lo the Americans had earlier cut the strained German lines to break out southwards to Brittany. At nearby Villers Bocage Michael Wittman, the greatest panzer ace, stopped the advancing spearhead of the British 7th Armoured Division with his small force of three Tigers. Nearby Vire formed the right flank of Hitler's desperate last offensive in Normandy, which - launched from east of Mortain, sought to cut off Patton's breakout forces at Avranches.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Adventure park, Bird Watching, Boating, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Horse riding, Rambling, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Shopping, Sightseeing, Swimming, Theme parks, Tree adventure park, Walking

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Directions from Cherbourg to Estry

Head up out of Cherbourg, and take the N13/E46 autoroute down the peninsula past Carentan to the N174 exit for St Lo. (which will take approx. 30 minutes). Take the N174 and go past St Lo. (approx. 30 minutes) straight on to Vire. At Vire, at the third roundabout take the D55 towards Estry. At the village crossroads turn right into the village (D56). (approx. 10 minutes) bypassing the town and continuing on through Torigni towards Vire. (approx. 40 minutes).

Directions from Ouistreham/Caen to Estry

From Ouistreham take the road to Caen. (approx. 10 minutes). Entering Caen, pick up the slip road onto the Peripherique (ring road) Ouest, and head round the city (Note that at one point you have to take a slip road off in order to stay on the peripherique!) until you pick up the turning for the A84 autoroute (Mont St. Michel / Avranches). approx. 10 minutes. Take the A84 west towards Mont St. Michel / Avranches as far as junction 42. (approx. 15 minutes). Turn onto the D577 and head towards Vire as far as the D56 intersection (Le Beny Bocage / St. Charles de Percy). (approx. 10 minutes). Turn left towards St. Charles de Percy, and head through St. Charles de Percy and Montchamp up to the Estry crossroads, crossing over the main road into Estry (approx. 10 minutes).

Directions from Estry to Le Grand Pont

Pass through the village. Just beyond it take the turning right (D57) and continue downhill. At the bottom of the hill, some 500 metres on, turn right opposite a small house with a lake. The turning is signposted to Le Planquerie, Le Busq and Le Pont Alliere (If you see an earlier sign to Le Pont Alliere, ignore it). Continue for about 300 metres. As you crest the hill you will see on your right a large pond, and immediately beyond it the gated entrance to Le Grand Pont.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.