Sierra2019年6月

Staying with Josiane and Francis is like walking into a dreamy French movie come to life. I truly feel like the luckiest traveler in the world to have gotten to stay at this breathtaking B&B for my first time in Normandy—and for the 75th anniversary of D-Day no less! Built in the 1500s, this stone farmhouse is just about the most romantic and charming backdrop upon which you could possibly set your Norman adventures. It’s located walking distance to Bayeux’s historic cathedral and city center, but just far enough into the countryside to feel like a restful retreat. I so enjoyed strolling into town each day to attend the market or catch the bus to the beaches. (Speaking of which, it makes an excellent base camp for exploring all of the beaches, monuments, museums, etc. of the entire region if you’re a history lover like myself.) But what truly made this incredible experience what it was, was Josiane’s and Francis’ incomparable hospitality. Josiane is a generous hostess and went out of her way time and again to make my stay the best experience it could possibly be, exceeding my wildest hopes and expectations again and again. I’ve stayed with a lot of different kinds of hosts on my travels, so I do *not* say this flippantly. Upon my arrival in Bayeux (lugging my whole world on my back in the largest backpack you might have ever seen), Josiane was kind enough to pick me up right from the train station and give me a ride so that I could learn the route to her B&B. Each morning when I came down from my room, she had a full, fresh French breakfast laid out and waiting, and I would start the day with good conversation either with Josiane or with the other lovely guests who happened to be staying there as well. Oh and the room!! I was in the upstairs apartment, and it was more lovely and luxurious than I possibly could have imagined! There was a sitting area, a huge comfy bed, a desk for my writing, and a bathroom equipped with shampoo, soap, lotion, etc. The room was tastefully decorated with delicate shelves and little plants and such, and Josiane was so thoughtful as to have laid out tons of tourism books, maps, and even pamphlets on the local bus routes to make my stay without a car easier. What really touched me though was that she had put out a little package of commemorative D-Day caramels for me! (This region is known for its caramels, cider, and calvados—make sure you enjoy plenty of each!) The very last day of my stay it worked out that Josiane, Francis, and I could attend the Liberty Parade in the center of Bayeux, after which they kindly dropped me off at the train station. Seriously the best hosts ever! My stay in Normandy would not have been half the trip of a lifetime that it was had I not found this dreamy B&B. Especially as a solo traveler, I felt safe, warmly welcomed, and completely at home. I cannot recommend Josiane’s and Francis’ accommodations and hospitality enough, and I truly hope that you, too, get to experience the magic of Normandy when you stay here.