Reviews of Chateau in Normandy
Chateau Cherbourg
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Customer Reviews
Overall:
Magic. I can't think of a more relaxing and peaceful setting.
Enjoyed Most:
The chateau and grounds were spectacular. A perfect mix and balance between luxurious living conditions and French country charm.
Unpleasant Surprises:
If there is a negative I could mention, it would be that the kitchen is perhaps a bit undersized and under equipped to support a large group. Nothing very serious, just something I noticed.
Surrounding Area:
The Norman countryside is absolutely beautiful. The area around the chateau is straight from a story book complete with rolling hills, hedgerows and grazing cattle with the local population living life at a pace I could definitely get used to.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Yvetot-Bocage and Tapotin are two very small hamlets within walking distance. These hamlets are primarily residential in nature with little or no commercial development. Valognes is only a 5 minute drive from the chateau and is a fairly good sized town with everything you could want.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant -can't remember the name - located in downtown Valognes directly across the street from the St. Malo Catholic Church is a wonderful street-side cafe that is reasonably priced. Also, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Valognes open air market on Friday mornings. Everybody in the surrounding countryside goes into town on this day. What a blast from the past!
Directions:
We followed the directions as written with no problems.
Check In Out:
If you need to leave early in the morning on the day of checkout, make sure you let Francoise, the caretaker, know as soon as possible. The security deposit is required in cash Euros and a spot inspection is made on the last day prior to refund of your deposit.
Norman, July, 2009
Overall:
My wife and I and all our guests had a wonderful time.
Enjoyed Most:
The house is wonderful
Unpleasant Surprises:
The refrigerator didn't work. The cost of heating was an extra 500 euros per week.
Surrounding Area:
Interesting history.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Volognes was about a mile away.
Tips or Restaurants:
Cosy little pub in Volognes, just ask where's the pub.
Directions:
Had a GPS didn't need to use it.
David, September, 2008
Overall:
It was superb.
Enjoyed Most:
We loved the bikes they supplied for bike riding. The chateaux itself was beautiful and the grounds were lovely for strolling or playing games.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The common living spaces were not that comfy for sitting around as a whole family...
Surrounding Area:
The creperie down the street and the fresh market in the morning in Valogne.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Valogne was not in walking distance but it was close...There was a tiny town Yvette Bochcage in walking distance, but there was nothing in it really but a church.
Tips or Restaurants:
All the suggestions that Rentvillas gave we perfect..a good description of the chateaux and the surrounding area- well done, again.
Melissa, June, 2008
Overall:
Pictures of the chateau do not do the location justice.
It is far more elegant and charming and the property is stunning.
Enjoyed Most:
Overall ambiance.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Nearest small town is Valognes which is not within easy walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Be sure to see the D-Day beaches, Peace Museum and Tapestry in Bayeux.
David, June, 2008
Enjoyed Most:
The chateau, the grounds, the peace and quiet, and the remarkable history of the place.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The lounge area's colour scheme and upholstery!
Surrounding Area:
The lushness, the small towns, the ability to bike and jog safely, and the wonderful restaurants. They are there if you look.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Yvetot-Bocage was within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
The Hotel Marine restaurant in Carteret on the coast--about a half and hour away, very expensive, but worth it. Beautiful seaside views and gourmet food. Lunch for 14 with three kid menus was about 1300, including wine. It was memorable. Also the creperie near the entrance to the chateau on the D902--the one near the lake--really wonderful. The Friday market in Valognes is outstanding and worth a visit.
Cynthia, July, 2007
Overall:
We take a family trip every year and this was probably the very best ever, and we have had some real winners! The caretaker and cook couldn't have been better. The dinners were wonderful. I would recommend eating every dinner in the chateau and lunch out at the nearby Creperies. They were excellent too. The kitchen was perfectly equipped and we enjoyed fixing breakfast crepes with the crepe mix we found at the nearest grocery store. All in all a memorable trip.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything was perfect
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was nothing we didn't like
Surrounding Area:
We went for the D-Day ceremonies and they were better then we could have hoped for.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Valognes. The grandchildren rode bikes to it. We older ones drove. Fine hospital with English speaking doctor who was very good. Grandma took a spill in Paris and they were as fine as any hospital care in our country, and in English.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just take your own clothes and toilet kit. Everything else is there.
Directions:
We had no trouble at all - after we got our gang organized and going.
Check In Out:
No! It was handled beautifully.
Todd, June, 2007
Overall:
We would go back!
Enjoyed Most:
Very comfortable. The chef was wonderful!
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was not enough toilet paper or soap products. When the owner was told, he was quite upset that they were not provided.
that.
Surrounding Area:
Very peaceful.
Tips or Restaurants:
We used the chef for four days of the seven.
Nancy TVL AGT, May, 2007
Overall:
If you are looking for a secluded location, close to all the facilities you are likely to need, this is the place for you! The chateau is also steeped in history from WWII; a surrender was signed there, and the D-Day landing beaches can be reached in less than 30 minutes. If you just want to relax in the peaceful French countryside this Chateau serves equally well. It was a brilliant location
Enjoyed Most:
We found everything to be exactly what was promised and the entire property exceeded our expectations. The staff who prepared our meals were friendly, polite and very eager to please.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The temperature of the pool, but this is being picky
Surrounding Area:
The location was close to all local facilities but totally secluded from them - Perfect.
Nearby Events or Locales:
A short bicycle ride, or two minutes in the car.
Tips or Restaurants:
Try the patisserie's - they are outstanding.
Directions:
The history of the place is undersold.
Charles, September, 2006
Overall:
One felt situated in a magical place between a movie set and museum.
Enjoyed Most:
The historic significance, the grandeur, the grounds to walk on, the chapel, the playhouse the thoughtfulness of the host and his staff.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Probably the security gate, but it is necessary for property that size.
Surrounding Area:
The friendly people and the nearness of historic sites both military and other.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The town of Yvetot-Bocage was the closest but there was nothing commercial there. Valognes was larger and had a railroad and many stores. One could walk there but not easily.
Tips or Restaurants:
A great restaurant in Bricabaque in the ancient part of the city - there is a hotel and the restaurant was in the hotel. Your notes pretty much covered everything, no surprises.
Check In Out:
We were a little early but they were quite accommodating.
Brenda, September, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
Beautiful setting, comfortable interiors. The owner of the property is very nice and extremely helpful.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The train to Paris takes 2 hrs 40 mins, not one hour. In addition, the staff doesn't uderstand English, which created problems, particularly with the cook.
Surrounding Area:
It's very country, if that's what you're looking for.
Check In Out:
The staff was insulted when asked to help with the bags. I thought that the staff was rude.
Iwona, September, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The chateau and gardens are as beautiful as the pictures.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen is under-equipped and the barbecue turned out to inoperable. Also there really isn't a comfortable place to sit and read. Bedrooms should have more pillows. Bathrooms should have soap. Dining room should have cloth napkins.
Surrounding Area:
So much to see and do within short distances, including landing beaches, Bayeux and little port towns.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Valognes is the nearest market town, not quite within walking distance, but there are several nice creperies nearby.
Tips or Restaurants:
Chateau suggestions regarding restaurants are all good, particularly La Marine in Cartaret which was our favorite.
Sam, July, 2005
Overall:
The outstanding parts of the experience were the people and their pride in the chateau. The owner has owned the property for generations. He has completely modernised the building but has kept the atmosphere very personal. The housekeeper was there to greet us and guide us and we used the chef for two family dinners, seating 18 people. They were some of the highlights of the trip. The food was simple and good using local ingredients. There is an honor wine celler. We used some of the wines produced by the family and some of our own wines. I had the feeling that everyone at the chateau loved the place and wanted us to love it too. This was a memorable family time and fulfilled all our expectations.
Enjoyed Most:
A beautiful chateau in lovely grounds. All of our expectations were fulfilled and more. We were three generations and everyone was happy. We loved the children's house and game room in the grounds. The highspeed Internet connection was a help to those who needed to stay in touch with work. The chateau blends the beauty and space from the past with all the modern amenities we are used to having.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There is little to dislike. there is no garbage disposal. In one bedrooms the mattress of the canopied bed was hard.
Surrounding Area:
The grounds of the chateau are lovely and very peaceful. There are garden chairs and seating in the sunny and sheltered areas. The pastoral setting with spreading chestnut trees cows and a horse and foal are etched in my mind.
We took day trips to the WW2 landing beaches and to some of the small towns on the coast. One group went to Mont San Michel for a day.The day we left we stopped in Bayeau to see the Tapestry - really interesting - and on the way back to Paris we took a twenty minute diversion to see the gardens at Giverny. There is a small American museum down the road from the gardens
Nearby Events or Locales:
There is a small hamlet, Yves Bocat, by the chateau. You can walk down the driveway and out the gate and find two adaquet restaurants. One is in an old mill and serves crepes. There is a lawn with playground and pond. it was just right for a casual evening meal with the children. Try the cider. There is also a grill and crepe place in an old Forge. Go there when you are hungry. This restaurant seems to be very popular with the people in the area so I suggest that you make reservations ont the weekend. The local market town is Valonges, about ten minuts away. Ther are two fairly large supermarkets on the outskirts of the town. One is open until 8:00PM on Saturday night. We made a bread run each morning to the bakery. We felt that the third one you come to on the road into town is the best . It is on the left hand side on a corner.
Tips or Restaurants:
You will find everything you need for a family vacation. If you have children and want some down time bring one or two DVDs of favorite movies to play on the TV.
We loved the restaurants on the coast. Hotel la Marine in Barnville for lighter, more elegant food. The restaurants on the waterfront are great for oysters and mussles.
Lindsay, June, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The extensive grounds were wonderful for children to play. The bicycles were a good addition.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Some of the mattresses were small and lumpy.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful countryside with easy access to Valognes, and two good restaurants were only a five-minute walk away.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Valognes was about five minutes by car and offered everything necessary for stocking the Chateau.
Tips or Restaurants:
The best restaurant finds were in St. Vaast on the coast about 20 minutes away. The oysters were outstanding and the seafood in general was great.
Rober, August, 2004
Overall:
The chateau and the grounds were magical. Our expectations were exceeded in every regard.
Enjoyed Most:
The grounds, the grounds, and the grounds. Did we mention the grounds? Absolutely lovely. The online pictures don't do it justice. Jeanine, the chef and substitute key-keeper was friendly, helpful and above all else, a fantastic chef!
Unpleasant Surprises:
The temperature of the pool was a bit jolting, especially after we read that it was supposed to be heated.
Surrounding Area:
Valogne is charming. We enjoyed the Friday open market there.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Yvetot-Bocage is the nearest town within walking distance although there are no shops. Valogne has everything for stocking up the chateau.
Tips or Restaurants:
There are 2 creperies in the hamlet of Tapotin, a 5-minute walk. The one located further west, by the corn maze, was excellent and reasonable, and had outdoor seating complete with a playground which the kids loved. The other creperie was too crowded to handle our large group.
Pete, July, 2004