Les Champs Français

We stayed in Les Champs Francais, Caumont-l’Eventé, in June 2009, the only house left standing in the village following the D-day landings. It is situated in the Normandy countryside a few miles south of Bayeux and a few miles west of Caen. This 19th Century house has been and continues to be carefully and sympathetically restored by our hosts Olivier and Maryse Lucet. Evidence of their world travels is to be seen in their pictures and artefacts around the house.

Our ground floor room which opened on to the patio, the garden and the Normandy hills beyond, was spacious, comfortable and tastefully appointed. Surely no one would walk on the carpet wearing outside shoes! The ultra modern en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower was immaculate.

But it was our hosts, Olivier and Maryse who made it so special. The sort of people that one takes to and warms to immediately. Maryse has the eye for colour and design, Olivier is the chef who trained in Paris, he told us that he just loved cooking. That evening it was clear he had gone to considerable lengths and forethought to give us a superb dinner which had been marinating from the previous day. As there were just the two of us that evening Olivier and Maryse joined us for dinner which made it one of our most memorable days and evenings in France. Breakfast the following morning was the ultimate in French breakfasts, beautifully prepared, freshly baked, beautifully arranged. It was with a glow of warmth and pleasure that we headed for the ferry and home.

Tony and Helen Palmer, Alfriston, East Sussex, UK