Last week we spent a few days camping in Normandy at le Chateau de Monfreville, a superb little campsite in the Calvados countryside.
With 20 acres of land and only 12 pitches for tents (plus two roulottes) but no caravans or camper vans, it’s never crowded.
Paul and Zoe, who own the chateau, have ponies, a donkey, a lovely dog, two cats, some sheep and loads of ducks, geese, chickens and quail, so there’s always company of the furry and feathered variety. My husband and Hector the dog formed a particularly strong bond, perhaps due to the treats that were constantly being tossed Hector’s way.
Our tent was next to the field so Bert the donkey became a close friend.
We were also in the perfect spot to see the glorious sunrises.
One day, the roulottes were both empty, so I took the opportunity to take some sneaky pictures.
One night a week, there’s a family style moules frites meal in one of the barns. Everyone brings a bottle (or two) and gets to know each other, which is absolutely lovely.
Paul and Zoe grow a lot of their own vegetables, all of which can be bought in the little shop in one of the out-buildings. There’s an honesty box for shopping for organic veg, eggs, milk, etc.
There’s a swimming pond, complete with fish and frogs, on the site.
One of the nicest things about the site was that cars aren’t allowed. You park up in a field on the other side of the chateau, and all your gear is brought down to your pitch by an ancient tractor.
And, best of all, every evening, Paul comes round to each tent taking bakery orders for the morning. Then, as if by magic, fresh croissants, brioche, etc. appear outside your tent early the next day.
It was a wonderful holiday and I think we’ll be going back next year!