Farm fresh produce
Local Markets
Reply
Monthly Archives: January 2009
Ville d'Eu
About 30 minutes from Basse Copette, a luxury B&B in Normandy, is the town of Eu. A great town, with some wonderful shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and a magnificent market on Friday mornings. The grand château and its associated church give a hint to a grand history for the town, a history that includes such historical figures as William the Conqueror (before he was a conqueror) and, more recently, Queen Victoria. It was at Eu that William was married, and at the Château d’Eu that the famous ‘Entente Cordiale‘ was signed in 1843. And today the town plays host to in interesting programme of summer events, such as the biennial Viking Festival. Yes despite this important history, this town is not overrun by tourists that other areas of France experience. Continue reading
Fours years at Basse Copette
Yes, today is my anniversary at Basse Copette, 4 years! There have been a few ‘downs’, but there have been many more ‘ups’. And although there are times when I have wished I knew then what I know now, we all know that is just wishful thinking, its been the ‘learning’ that has made the last four years so interesting. I have met some wonderful people, and been honoured to have some of these people return. In so doing, I have seen many young families grow: young couples who visited in my first or second year with a 2 year old, and then to see them two or three years later. I resist repeating that line I used to hear when meeting older relatives after a long time ‘My, haven’t you grown! I remember when you were this high.’ So in celebration of four great years, I thought I would post the first of a few before and after photographs Continue reading
Fishing at Basse Copette
Fishing on the Bresle River
Two kilometres down the road is a great fishing spot on the River Bresle, one where the locals can often be found when they fancy trout for lunch. All that is required is a permit, and these are easily obtained. This kind of fishing is restricted to certain times of the year.
Also, there are a number of private lakes along the River Bresle, specially set up for fishing, to suit all tastes. Some are more family oriented, while others are for the serious minded fishermen. Rather than buying a local permit, all you do is pay a fee, full day or half day and fish ’til your hearts content. Continue reading
Historic Steam Train on the Somme Bay
The Somme Bay is a popular attraction, and has much to offer visitors to the area. And an attraction that suits all ages is a journey around the bay on the steam train, known locally as ‘Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme‘ or the iron path of the Somme Bay. This is not only an opportunity to travel on a historic form of transport, but a wonderful way to see the Somme Bay. Continue reading
Le Neufchâtel, the local cheese
When it comes to traditional cheeses in France, it is said that there is a different cheese for each day of the year. Many regions are known for the cheese made there. Normandy is well known for its camembert, but there are in fact many cheeses that originate in Normandy. Basse Copette is located in the Pays de Bray area of Upper Normandy, and while the cheese from this area is not as well known as camembert, le neufchâtel is said to be the oldest of the Normandy cheeses. This cheese takes it name from the nearby town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray. Continue reading
Basse Copette, Monet's Garden and Impressionist Art
For those interested in art, in particular Impressionist art, Basse Copette is an ideal base to explore this part of Normandy’s association with the Impressionist school of painting. Of course, there is the well-known and unmissable house and gardens at Giverny where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926; but also the coastline north of the mouth of the River Seine was a source of inspiration for Monet and many other Impressionist artists, as were many other parts of Upper Normandy; Rouen’s Cathedral was frequently painted by Monet; and Rouen’s Museum of Fine Art has a modest but wonderful collection of Impressionist paintings. So if impressionist paintings is your thing, Basse Copette is your place to stay, whether for a midweek/weekend break or a holiday in a self catering Normandy style gite or luxury B&B. And don’t forget Paris and the Musée d’Orsay is a wonderful day trip from Basse Copette. Monet’s house and gardens is a wonderful place to start. Continue reading
Samara Prehistoric Park
Samara is without doubt the most popular family attraction for Basse Copette’s guests. Children of all ages love it – and there really is something for everyone. And as an archaeologist I can say its not just a great place to run around at, but its a great place to learn something about prehistory. At Samara you get to learn something about the last 600 000 years of humanity’s history. Its not a dusty, boring old-style museum with loads of glass cases. On the contrary, its a living archaeological park. Continue reading
Apple sponge tart
Given the number of apple trees I have at Basse Copette, and that I really do not like letting the apples go to waste, I am always looking for things to do with apples. I feel I am now collecting recipes that use apples. I am forever making Normandy apple tarts for B&B and self catering cottage guests … and just recently the ‘New Year’ guests in the self catering cottage gave me a recipe in return for the Normandy apple tart recipe – an apple sponge tart. I love it, and thought I would post it here, even though there is nothing particularly French about it, let alone Normandy. But, I suppose you could always make it here for yourselves, using fresh Basse Copette apples! Continue reading
Basse Copette to Paris
Enjoy all the attractions of Paris