Local Towns & Villages

Mortain

Close to the house is the town of Mortain.  Robert, the Count of Mortain, was the half-brother of William the Conqueror.  Mortain has a selection of shops where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and bread etc.  There are a few restaurants and bars, including a nice pizza place, and once a week a visiting fish & chip van for take away, or they will bring it into the local bar if you prefer to eat in.  Mortain is famous for it's white abbey and it's two waterfalls which make for a lovely post lunch stroll.  There is also an outdoor swimming pool, which has magnificant views over the valley.

Domfront

About 25 minutues away is Domfront.  In the 11th century Domfront was the scene of much action and fighting, since it occupied an important point on the border between Brittany and Normandy. Hence Domfront castle, originally built at the beginning of the 11th century, was much fortified during the decades that followed.  Unfortunately much of the castle was destroyed as a result of the Wars of Religion, leaving the ruins that you can now visit in the town.

The town itself was also fortified, and many of the towers survive, along with sections of the ramparts  - these provide a good backdrop for the numerous medieval houses and buildings to be seen in Domfort. Within the fortifications is the old town, an attractive region with narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and some grander townhouses, interspersed with pleasant cafes and open squares.

Bagnoles de L'Orne

About 40 minutes away, Bagnoles is in the heart of a 17,000 acre forrest in the 'Suisse Normande' countryside. Bagnoles is famous for it's hot water spa and 1930's casino.  In the 'Belle Epoque' area you can see fine examples of Art Deco bourgeois villas.