Local Information
& Activities
Situated in Southern
Calvados, Bon Courage gives ample opportunities
for those who wish to explore the rich history
of the region, which also offers plenty of leisure
activities, such as hiking, canoeing, golf, equestrian
and bike riding.
Following are a few
examples:
Historical
& Cultural Visits
Mont Saint Michel
Undoubtedly this site is one
of the most spectacular jewels of France. Its
rich history makes a visit to the Mont St. Michel
an unforgettable experience. A guided tour is
highly recommended, as this will give an excellent
and detailed insight of the historical, religious
and ‘powerful’ importance of this
venue during the French history. The views of
and from the Mont St. Michel are stunning.
For further details
please access the following website:
www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/accueil_gb.htm
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Bayeux Tapestry
For those who are interested
in battle scenes, and/or who admire the art of
fine needle work, a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry
Museum is a must. The history of the battle of
Hastings in 1066 is portrayed on a 270 feet long
tapestry. The woven details of this historical
event pictured on the embroidery are well preserved,
considering its age and are breathtaking. Given
that this museum is quite popular and in order
to avoid long queues an early start is recommended.
For further details please access
the following website:
www.tapisserie-bayeux.fr/index.php?id=1&L=1
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William the Conqueror’s
Castle ( Falaise Castle)
This is a real gem and a castle
worthy of a day’s visit, this castle dominates
the town of Falaise and is very impressive. The
castle has ongoing restoration to its walls and
one can well picture William being born there
and growing up as a child. Another great venue
to see and enjoy, the tour is mostly inside and
undercover with a different way of showing a castle
using art, lights and sound to make this a magical
visit.
For further details please access
the following website:
www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr
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The Monet Gardens in Giverny
Though this visit is a longer
drive from Bon Courage, Giverny it is well worth
the effort for those who appreciate fine art and
beautiful paintings. The house has a collection
of Japanese prints and of course the garden was
the setting for one of Monet’s greatest
works, the water lilies. One may wish to take
a packed lunch and head off early to a very worthwhile
site, which undoubtedly will leave fond memories.
www.giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm
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World
War II History
The D-Day landing on the Normandy
beaches in June 1944 became the prelude to the
end of the occupation of the Western European
countries by Nazi Germany. Even this gite was
not left out of the action as told by historians
and locals. The farm, which now is Bon Courage
was used as a garage for a German personnel carrier.
Vire was well known for its resistance
to the Nazi’s and its hedge rows were bravely
fought over by the French, British, Polish and
Americans forces.
The Memorial
de Caen
A full day’s visit to this most interesting
and well set up museum is highly recommended.
The history of World War II, starting from the
disastrous Versailles Treaty of 1919, is extremely
well presented. Many authentic film clips from
the Battle of Britain, the D-Day landing and the
battle of Normandy can be seen. Also some exhibits
from the Cold War and those of more recent history
can be seen as well. The Nobel Peace Prize Laureates
gallery is most impressive. A visit to the Memorial
de Caen Museum will be remembered for a long time.
The city of Caen further has splendid historical
sites to offer, such as the beautifully restored
Abbaye des Hommes.
For further details please access
the following website:
www.sacred-destinations.com/france/caen-memorial-for-peace.htm
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Pegasus
Bridge
For those who wish to really appreciate the heroism
of British Parachute and other regiments at the
very beginning of the Normandy Invasion, a visit
to the Pegasus Bridge is a must. One will be amazed
to realize how incredible and audacious this battle
was. With bravado and perseverance the British
units conquered and held this very strategic bridge
over the river Orne. It is truly amazing how the
glider pilots managed to land their craft so close
to the target. A visit to the Pegasus Bridge Museum,
where original film clips can be seen, is very
much recommended. The first building to be liberated,
was the Gondré Restaurant. It’s still
here and the menu of omelets at that time has
not changed. All in all a worthwhile visit.
For further details please access
the following website:
battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/airborne_museum_pegasus_bridge.htm
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The Landing
Beaches – D-Day to Victory
All the landing beaches from Pointe du Hoc, the
Utah and Omaha Beaches, where the American soldiers
fought valiant and brave battles, Gold and Sword
Beaches where the British forces did likewise
and Juno Beach where the Canadian forces contributed
their invaluable part to the D-Day Invasion, are
all sights to be experienced and seen, in order
to get a better understanding of the magnitude
of the greatest military operation in modern history.
www.d-daytovictory.com/battles/index/htm
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Falaise Pocket
The decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy
took place here from 12th through 21st August
1944. A worthwhile visit! For a detailed description
of the Battle, may we recommend you visit the
following website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falaise_Pocket
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Family
Visits
There are many other venues of
interest and leisure in both the Calvados and
the Manche departments of Normandy.
Beaches
For those enjoying the sea-side, the beaches North
and South of Granville are quite nice, as are
the Landing Beaches area. They will give plenty
of space to play on and to swim in the Atlantic
Ocean. They all are a little more than an hour’s
drive from Bon Courage.
Festy Land
This is a smaller theme park built near Caen;
It is well laid out and excellent for a fun day
out. A visit with the entire family will not be
disappointing.
For further details please see the
following website:
www.normandie-tourisme.fr/normandy-tourism/main-menu/things-to-do/family-friendly-144-2.html
Zoos
There are several zoos in Normandy, each of them
offering different attractions. Our best advice
is to take your pick or try all of them. The visit
to each zoo will take most of the day so pick
the one you will enjoy, take a packed lunch and
go animal crazy.
www.normandie-tourisme.fr/normandy-tourism/main-menu/things-to-do/family-friendly-144-2.html
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Sports
For those who wish to be
more active, there are various sports activities
on offer in our area.
A few examples:
- Two good golf courses (Lac-du-Dathée
(near Vire), about 30 minutes drive and Clécy
(about 40 minutes drive)
- Horse riding and stables within
15 minutes
- Biking - Bicycles can be rented
in Vire
- Walking - Hiking maps are available
at Bon Courage
- Pétanque (boules) can
be played on the premises (equipment available)
- Badminton can be played at Bon
Courage as well (equipment available)
- Canoeing can be done at Pont
d’Ouilly (less than 30 minutes drive from
Bon Courage)
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Worship
Services
‘Normandy
Vision’ - English protestant services,
twice a month at Condé-sur-Noireau and
once a month in Vire
(Visit Normandy Vision’s website at www.normandyvision.org)
Saturday evening and Sunday
morning Roman Catholic Services in Vassy, Vire
and Condé-sur-Noireau.
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