The Area

We cannot hope to provide a comprehensive list of all the things to do within Normandy, but whether you want peace and tranquillity, a serious round of Golf, or high octane thrills, this region has something for everyone.

Below are a few suggestions for both young and old. Some activities have useful websites, which we've linked to via the photographs.

For the young family

Festyland is a theme park near Caen for younger families. With lots of rides, a circus and a petting zoo, it's a great day out for parents and children. Call at the Market at St Pierre sur Dives, buy a roast chicken, some bread and fruit and drive on to the Chateau de Crevecour for your picnic then spend the afternoon on the superb beach at Lion Sur Mer. We have two great zoos and new indoor playareas with huge inflatables and climbing frames.

For a little more excitement

There is a new aquatic centre and leisure pool in the town of Falaise, just five minutes from Domaine de la Hamberie.  Open seven days a week throughout the year, it includes flumes and slides as well as saunas and steam-rooms, so everyone can enjoy the visit.

Bungee jumping may not be for everybody, but Calvados offers an amazing experience at AJ Hacketts Adventure Park, to the south west of Caen. It includes the huge Bungee Jump as well as Scable Runs and Tree Hopping. Click on the photo of the Bungee Platform to enter the interactive website.

A Tree Climbing / Walk experience has opened in Pont D'Ouilly, only 20 minutes from the farm. They speak English and its a great day out. This is in the beautiful Swiss Normandy area which has something for everyone. If the heights are not your cup of tea, there are some gorgeous walks to be had, or even Horse riding, or canoeing.

There is also high fuelled fun to be had at the indoor go-carts near Mondeville 2.

Normandy is at present one of the best regions in France to fish for salmon, and is undisputedly the best region for sea-trout.  Its rivers contain the famous brown trout, the growth rate of which is one of the fastest in France.

Further afield,  Honfleur is a beautiful port town in the north of the region with many charming restaurants and cafes on the quay side. Mont Saint Michel is a must for all visitors to the area.

There is also Racing at Deauville, the beautiful Monet's Gardens, as well as the outstanding Palace of Versailles. Even Paris and Euro Disney is only a few hours away.

A region steeped in History

Falaise is the birth place of William the Conqueror, and the castle has a newly renovated reception for tourists. The Bayeux Tapestry is also well worth a visit, charting the events of William's invasion and untimely demise of Harold the Great.

No visit to Calvados would be compete without a trip to the Normandy Landing Beaches. The site where "Operation Overlord", the liberation of Northwest Europe, began is a moving tour for young and old alike. The cemeteries, where the honoured dead of all nations lie, are immaculately maintained and provide an experience never to be forgotten.

Retail therapy and gastronomic delights

Caen has plenty of shops. Park and ride at Ifs will allow you to visit the City shops. Nearer still is the shopping mall at Mondeville 2, which will just about have anything you could possibly want, but clothes shops seem to be a speciality.

For food, the area can't be beaten.  Camembert, Liverot and Pot l'Eveque are the local cheeses, with Cider and Calvados the drinks of the region. Crepes - savoury or sweet pancakes - are also a speciality, and highly recommended.

 The Patisseries, Creperies and Restaurants in Falaise are friendly and superb. With over 20 great places to eat in the local town, and almost all carefully vetted by your hosts, finding somewhere to eat to accommodate everyone's taste will not be a problem.

The Calvados region has several great Golf courses and information about the best  places to visit within Normandy can be viewed by clicking the Golf ball.  The site contains a really useful map that can help you plan an entire holiday of golf, never seeing the same place twice.

For a bit more relaxation

Each gite has its own private garden to provide a peaceful break from the hustle of busy life, or a day can be spent just relaxing by the pool.  A late afternoon barbecue with a glass of local cider is often one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy a holiday at Domaine de la Hamberie.

These are just a taste of the things to do in the area, but if you have any specific questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to help.