St Michel De Montjoie, Normandy

Activities for children

Champrepus - A short drive will bring you to this excellent zoo. See a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles, as well as impressive flora and fauna. Enjoy a picnic or refreshments amidst the laughter of the children on one of the bouncy castles in the play area.

Granville - Continue your short journey to the "Monaco du Nord". The whole family will enjoy a tour of the impressive Aquarium, which also incorporates the Maritime Museum, Butterfly Garden, Seashell Fairyland and Mineral Palace. Or maybe spend a lazy day with a picnic on one of several beautiful, safe sandy beaches. Walk along the pretty harbour as the local fishermen return with the day's catch; or sample fresh "moules frites" in one of the excellent sea-front restaurants.

Carolles - This coastal resort has been described as "the most beautiful kilometre in France." As the horizon changes with the tides, there is a spectacular view across Normandy and Brittany to the bay of Le Mont St Michel. It has long been a source of inspiration for painters. In addition, it is a popular attraction for bird-watchers, with a large variety of birds nesting on the cliffs.

St-Martin-de-Landelles - For a family day out, try nearby L'Ange Michel theme-park. Attractions include aquasplash, quadbiking, bumper boats, tourist train, dry-slope sledging and pony rides. There is also an amusement park for smaller children.

St Germain de Tallevende - A slightly more relaxing time can be spent at the local trout-fishing centre, just 10 minutes' away. Rods are also available for children, and you only pay for what you catch. The resulting produce can be taken home and proudly barbecued for all the family. Picnic area and children's play area.

Bellefontaine - Smaller children will enjoy a visit to "Le Village Enchante (model village), only a few miles from your holiday home. They can take a ride on the model train around the park, watch the automated puppet -show, then finish off with an ice-cream in the children's play area.

Channel Islands - For the more adventurous, take a day-trip from Granville; or visit neighbouring Jullouville, and hire yourself a catamaran. Weekly training courses are available. St Malo - The Grand Aquarium, on the Emerald Coast of Brittany, is adjacent to the autoroute. It presents an excellent family day out including the 360 degree glass-walled "shark-ring", and the mechanical submarine "nautibus".

Dinard - Pretty town with sandy beaches, coves and rock-pools

Cancale - East of St Malo, and a must for oyster-lovers.

To contact John & Karen Lindsay via e-mail click here

Tel : 0033 (0)233 598870