Sunday 23 February 2014

Le Bois des Monts, Normandy, France

Just returned from France.  We spent a week in Normandy near Caen staying at a family owned house high up on a ridge near Breville-Les-Monts.  The view over Caen, situated about 10km away, is spectacular with some of the best views from our bedroom.  We were able to sit in bed and look out over farmland whilst watching deer who visited the garden each morning.

Le Bois des Monts saw some fierce fighting during WWII and the house and gardens are regularly visited by men who fought there during the summer of 1944.

 


Views of Le Bois des Monts that served as British Headquarters during June 1944 as troops fought to secure the Normandy landings.


Literally just across the road German soldiers were stationed in the Châteaux.



There are several dedications to the men who fought and died here scattered along the road and in the villages.  This one stands at the entrance to the garden and is dedicated to the men of the Black Watch Highlanders.



Today Le Bois des Monts is a happy and peaceful place ideal for a holiday.


The heated swimming pool is a fantastic place to relax and unwind after a busy day.






The extensive grounds are a beautiful place to stroll.  There are woodpeckers, owls and a range of other wild birds to be seen.  Deer also visit the garden in the morning and evening.  There is also a tack room and stables in the grounds.

2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place! I just love all your photos and it sounds like you had a terrific time. I love what you said about the deer visiting. It must have been something. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Hello Kimberley,

    This is indeed a wonderful place. It is so peaceful even considering the terrible things that happened here in 1944. Maria's cousin owns the house and he has loads of stories told him by veterans who fought here. Some of their stories are pretty horrendous.

    It was nice to have a heated swimming pool, we used it most evenings.

    Thank you for commenting.

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