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

Basse Copette: some history

Basse Copette, on the northern boundary of the Normandy region, has been used for family holiday cottage rental and B&B for some time, although the swimming pool is a much more recent addition.

Basse Copette is a small, rural hamlet situated in the commune of Vieux-Rouen-sur-Bresle, in the Seine Maritime Department (76) of Normandy. It is not far from the Bresle River, which forms the boundary between Normandy and Picardy. Continue reading

Basse Copette on Wikipedia.fr

Doing a Google search for ‘Basse Copette’ the other day, I found an article on the French version of Wikipedia that mentions Basse Copette. The article, created by Christian Lassure and with many additions by Dr Michel Royon, will be of particular interest to those interested in geology, geography and agricultural history.

Apparently, one of the walks I often take out along the valley and frequently recommend to my B&B and self catering guests starts out on an old human-made agricultural feature. This feature, as the article points out, has a specific manifestation in this area of Normandy, and also Picardy, and is called a royon (also a rayon). And it appears that the example at Basse Copette even has a name: le Rayon Hideux.

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Basse Copette in the snow, January 2009

For me Basse Copette always looks great under a few inches of snow. I think it has something to do with the surrounding forests and the dusting of snow on the trees. After a week of subzero temperatures (-6) I woke up this morning to snow, and by lunch there was at least two inches (photos below taken today). After a walk in the snow there is nothing nicer than coming into a roaring fire. Continue reading