The Village:
The Old School-house is within the village of Cerisy-Belle-Etoile, a traditional village which has a bakery selling fresh croissants and bread, a shop, a Post Office (now part of the bakery since the Government decided to close all village Post Offices) and 2 Tabac/bars, both serving Plait de Jour lunch for apprx £7 (you need a huge appetite; 5 courses and wine and cider included in price) and both open at night too. Nearest supermarket is in town of Flers, 7km away. Walk/drive up to Mount Cerisy, notable for its summer gardens and flower festival. Mount Cerisy's facilities include a Childrens' adventure playground, the local boules pitch, tennis courts, ping-pong tables, a bar/cafe, castle ruins and viewing tower, plenty of space for bike riding (you have 4 bikes in the backyard, they're free, you don't need to hire them), and forest walking -tracks.
Across the road is a Cider/Calvados orchard with it's own Tasting/Sales room.
Paris and Drive-to Sightseeing:
Paris is best reached by train from your closest town, Flers, 7km away. Approx 2 hr trip to inner city Paris station (Gare Montparnasse). Your local English-speaking taxi driver (see ph number on kitchen wall) will drop off/pick up in his people-carrier.
The D-Day Landing Beaches and museums/cemeteries and Monet's famous gardens are both within comfortable driving day trips.
Cider orchard just across the road:
Cider and Calvados orchard and press just across the road, with tasting room and sales.
Other Activities:
Walk/drive to Mt Cerisy; adventure playground, Boules pitch, tennis
