Monthly Archives: February 2009

The National Museum of Education – Rouen

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The National Museum of Education – Rouen

There is always somewhere and something to learn – even on holiday! And Basse Copette, with its luxury gite near the Normandy city of Rouen is no different. In the heart of Rouen’s historical district is one of the finest timber framed houses dating back to the end of the Middle Ages. Once the hose of a wealthy craftsmen, it soon became a house if ill-repute, and known in the 20th century as the ‘Hall of Marriages’. Today this remarkable building houses the National Museum of Education, and is well worth a visit. Continue reading →

Normandy Impressionism: June – September 2010

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Normandy and Impressionism go hand-in-hand. Not only did a number of leading impressionist painters live in Normandy, but these painters also frequently painted the Normandy countryside. And so many of us know Normandy through some of those well known impressionist paintings. The city of Rouen is currently organising “Normandie Impressionniste” for summer 2010. This will be a series of events aimed at promoting Normandy and its Impressionist heritage. Continue reading →

Spring Break at Basse Copette

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Spring Breaks in Normandy, France – booking now.

Spring Break in Normandy: the first daffidols of 2009

Spring Break in Normandy: the first daffidols of 2009

Near the hamlet of Basse Copette is the small town of Bouafles. The town’s church is on a small hill that overlooks much of the town. At this time of the year the hillside is white, and not just from the frost. The hillside is covered with snowdrops. These flowers are a welcome sign, spring is on its way! Basse Copette is the perfect spot for a spring break in Normandy, France – at just an hour and a half from Calais. So come and see the landscape come alive again. Spring is a wonderful time in Normandy, and at Basse Copette it is no different. The winter landscape is stark, and has its own striking attraction. But as the trees in the surrounding forests start to turn green and the weather starts to get a bit warmer – the landscape takes on a different feel altogether. During spring the French equivalent of the ‘car boot sale’ start – just the thing for bargain hunters. Continue reading →

Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother's Walk in the Forêt d’Eu

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Basse Copette is a small hamlet in the Forêt d’Eu, once the hunting forest for the château in Eu. It was at this summer residence of King Louis-Philippe that the Entente Codiale was signed in 1843 between France and England. Just above the town of Blangy, the forest has a ‘monument’ to that event, and more recently a similar ‘monument’ to mark the hundredth birthday of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The Forêt d’Eu has much of interest for Basse Copette’s B&B and self-catering guests, be it a scenic walk in the forest along many of the designated trails or many sites of local and international historical interest. Continue reading →

Your host at Basse Copette

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I moved to Basse Copette at the beginning of 2005 from England. Before that I taught archaeology at the University of Manchester (before that at the University of Southampton). I trained as an archaeologist in South Africa – specialising in prehistoric art of Africa and Europe. I am still an active researcher, and greatly enjoy being a more independent scholar. This allows me much more freedom to do what I enjoy most, such as offering guided tours of the archaeology, art and architecture of France. My research has featured in a number of made-for-TV documentaries, including for the BBC and Channel 4. Continue reading →