I was seduced by Falaise, which is surrounded by abundant, peaceful nature between the Suisse Normande and the Pays d'Auge and which is also the birthplace of William the Conqueror. The medieval town, fortified by a wall which is almost two kilometres long, has a long history stretching from the Middle Ages up to the Second World War. This history can be seen in the fortified castle that dominates the town and the memorial dedicated to the life and survival of civilians in the Second World War. Falaise is rich in history, but today it is also a charming little town with a small centre and lovely shops. And, above all there is the house in Falaise, which is what won me over.
Built around the 17th and 18th centuries, the house is built in the shape of an inverted L and spans three floors. The ground floor has stone and terracotta floors, two monumental fireplaces and an indoor well. The first floor, bathed in light thanks to its many wooden-framed windows is decorated in soft colours, joist ceilings and a succession of old parquet floors, Caen stone floors with a patina and ancient terracotta tiles. Fireplaces decorated with flowers draw the eye with their pretty stone details. The second floor, where the bedrooms are, is particularly striking because of its exposed old roof timbers and preserved wooden features. The garden, which is just as beautiful, hides an old stone wash-house beneath a large willow tree.
Rather like my own life, it seems like the house has lived a thousand lives and undergone just as many changes. Although we still don't know what its original purpose was, we do know that it was a convent, then a castle storehouse due to its proximity to the Ante, along which boats carrying food arrived on. After that it was a cleaning place for leather tanners who paid a right of passage to use the washhouse, then a bourgeois house when all of the fireplaces were painted black as a sign of mourning/protest when the king was executed, and later an upholsterer’s shop. The colossal amount of work we needed to undertake to restore the building has left us no time to delve into the archives and look deeper into its history, but there is no doubt that it will make for a fascinating investigation!
This old house who has lived through centuries opens its generous arms and welcomes guests who dream of peace and quiet, a soothing break, the heart and soul of an old house, cosy comfort, soft decor and a garden full of mystery. Located in the heart of Falaise, the house is close to the shops and noteworthy places to visit. You can see everything on foot! It is ideally located for exploring Normandy. Our dearest wish is that each person’s stay should be a moment of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy warm moments with family or friends, team-building sessions, or even concentrate on work, or experience moments of peace and serenity. The different areas can be adapted to your needs, as can the number of bedrooms to accommodate your requirements.
At the end of a charming 500 metre stroll that takes you under the Porte Philippe Jean, along the ancient cobblestones and past the imposing statue of William the Conqueror, you'll come to "Le Fournil du Château", home to a talented, award-winning baker whose beautiful display of delicacies will immediately whet your appetite! The Mercier cheese dairy, with its long stall at the weekly market held every Saturday morning. Patissier Remi Chapuis: his cakes are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, as well as delicious chocolates and sweet or savoury macaroons. "Chez Terroir dit Vin", where Emmanuel and Vincent, passionate wine merchants know how to perfectly describe each winegrower’s products with passion. Nature and hiking lovers will be delighted to stay in Suisse Normande and walk its trail, voted France's favourite GR trail.
The large rooms can be used for temporary shops, wellness workshops, off-site meetings and seminars, or any other event. Opening onto the heart of the garden through beautiful French windows, they give the impression that you are of working in the heart of nature. A light-filled kitchen completes the whole, giving you a place to make hot drinks and prepare meals.
ref 661141
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