Basse Copette

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. My research has featured in a number of made-for-TV documentaries, including for the BBC and Channel 4. I am still an active researcher, and greatly enjoy being a more independent scholar. This allows me much more freedom to explore what I enjoy most, such as offering guided tours of the archaeology, art and architecture of France, and following my passion: Monet, Giverny & Normandy. I also regularly write articles on France for a European travel blog, Europe a la Carte.

A very amusing incident happened to one of my guests. A family Basse Copette for a weeks holiday, and then a week later James went on a business trip to America. He boards the plane, after take off has the in-flight meal, and then decides to watch one of the documentaries on offer. James settles back with a drink and the programme starts … and up pops my head and voice. He did have the good grace to say “Was nice to see you again.”

I greatly enjoy running the B&B and the self-catering cottage at Basse Copette. I love cooking, and am learning a bit more about gardening. 2009 was the year for me to experiment with growing veggie in the raised beds I made. As experiments go, it was a great success. So, in 2010 I am building more raised beds, and am hoping to be able to offer self-catering guests fresh, home-grown veg on a regular basis, and to use my own veg in meals cooked for guests staying in the B&B and La Grange.

Why Choose Basse Copette for Your Normandy Holiday?

• Basse Copette is my full-time occupation, it is not my part-time holiday home. Working for myself not only means that the proverbial buck stops with me, it also means that being able to carry on here is directly related to the quality of service I provide. Consequently, my attention to detail and my efforts to provide a work here is my primary concern.
  
  

• I live at Basse Copette year round, so I see the surroundings and the area in all its glory, to quote that popular line: winter, spring, summer and fall! I know what is available locally, whether it is great farm-fresh produce or something to do for a quiet Sunday afternoon. I know some of the good restaurants, and some of the not so good ones; the popular attractions, as well as many places that are off the beaten path.
  
  

• Also, I will be here to welcome you personally. And in the very rare and unlikely event that something goes wrong en route, I will still be here at what ever time you arrive. There is no need to worry about waiting around for agents, making arrangements for the front door key.
  
  

• Once comfortably settled in to your self catering accommodation, or your suite in the B&B, I am confident you will appreciate everything repeatedly mentioned in the Visitors Books (well, after 5 years there are now three of them), from the comfy beds and the Normandy food, the peace and tranquillity, to the great location and the many return visits.
  
  

• If the comments from the visitors’s book are anything to go by, I think one thing I do gauge successfully is the level of interaction guests want from me. I have taken guests to see some of my favourite attractions in the area, and I have even taught some of the children some basic cooking. But I have also known when guests want a private week (or weekend on their own).

One of my guests, sitting on the terrace having an evening meal and taking in the wonderful sunset over the valley, asked me if I still notice the views and appreciate the location as he was doing just then. It so happens that as I had walked out onto the terrace I too had noticed the golden wheat fields in the the light of the setting sun. Honestly, the sight took my breath away then as much as it did when I first saw it. Besides the stunning location, rural but close to wonderful towns (Abbeville, Blangy and Aumale) and cities (Amiens and Rouen) and other great attractions (Monet’s garden), Basse Copette really is easy to get to. It is just an hour and a half from Calais – and only 4 different roads! Only 2 hrs from Paris, 1 hr from Beauvais (Ryanair), and less than 1 hr from Dieppe.