Ardouval

Ardouval is situated in the Pays de Bray, a dairy farming area described in the Michelin guide as a “geological  button hole”. Small rivers meander through patch work, tree- lined fields reminiscent of by - gone England. Adjacent to Ardouval, and opposite the house is the Forest d’Eawy. This is one of the largest beech forests in France covering over 6,600 hectares. Hunting for deer and wild boar continues throughout the winter months. The hunt kennels the hounds in the village - you will hear the dogs twice a day at feeding times. They hunt on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is no shop in the village, but the boulangerie van calls Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The poissonerie calls on Thursdays and Mondays, and the boucherie calls Tuesdays and Fridays. The bakers van also sells dried goods, as well as long life milk, jams and soft drinks, and the local newspaper. The fish van has fruit and vegetables as well as some yoghurts, wine and water but no milk. The butcher sells very good meat as well as prepared dishes. All vans stop at the gate at the bottom of the drive, and usually hoot. They always visit our neighbour, Madame Samson first.

Ardouval is a quiet farming village, with ancient Church, foyer, village football ground, and of course the mayor’s office. The village football ground is open to all - start a game, and you will soon be joined by others from the village.  Close by, in the forest is the site “Val Ygot” an original site of the World War 11 V1 rocket launching pads. Here you can walk around free of charge, read all about the rockets and the life of the German soldiers on large display boards written in English and French. This is well worth a visit.

Local Shops and Places of Interest

Drive three miles through the forest to  the village of Bellencombre which offers village shops, bread, meat, groceries etc, and café/bars. Three miles in the opposite direction takes you to  Les Grandes Ventes, where there is a small supermarket, village shops including a pharmacy, and bars/cafes/restaurant. Just under 10 miles away is the “capital” of the Pays de Bray - Neufchatel en Bray. This town is famous for its brie like cheese which is produced in many different shapes - the nicest being heart shaped! All facilities are available in Neufchatel. It is a typical market town with cobbled streets, pavement cafes., large supermarkets, and hotels much loved by the English. Here you will also find a swimming pool, tennis courts, and cinema. The surrounding area is dotted with tiny villages and individual restaurants - all merit a look and see. For those who like the high life there is a casino at Forges-les Eaux, about 15 minutes drive. Golf can be played at a beautiful riverside course at St. Saens, approx 10 minutes drive, or at a coastal course at Dieppe. Two other courses are within 30 minutes drive.Less than 2 miles from the house, a riding stables offers trekking in the forest. The quiet lanes and tracks in the forest are ideal for cycling and we now have 4 adult mountain bikes for hire. There are many opportunities for the fisherman - either river, sea or lake. For those who enjoy visiting gardens,  there are 8 within 30 minutes drive and an even wider choice over the hour, some with chateaux.

Further afield, but not too far, is the lovely old city of Rouen. Less than a half hour drive will take you into this interesting city which offers all facilities and is well worth exploring. There is a good pedestrian shopping area, with one or two English favourites. Thirty minutes to the north of Ardouval is Dieppe and its coastline. Although at high tide the beaches are shingle once the tide is out it exposes lovely rocky coves with beautiful “sandcastle” beaches. Dieppe is a pretty seaside resort with a picturesque marina and a delightful shopping area. Good weekend markets in Dieppe, Neufchatel and Rouen.Ardouval is well placed for exploring the whole region and further afield. The A29 motorway is now finished and links the area to Honfleur via the Pont de Normandy,  thus avoiding  Rouen. Paris is only 90 miles distant by road, although there is a good fast  regular train service from Rouen, with ample car parking at the station.

In the house you will find maps of Normandy, and the forest. There are also a town centre maps of Rouen and Dieppe. There are also copies of Living France magazine which give details of all the Normandy gardens, and ideas about exploring the riverside  area ( the Seine) from Rouen to Paris. You will also find exact details of where to find  local supermarkets, and the times when the tradesmen call. Tourist information leaflets are also provided.

Wonderful wildlife.

 We have watched deer, from the kitchen window, as they grazed in the forest. There are many lovely and different species of birds which can be seen just by  sitting quietly in the garden. You will find a book on the shelf in the lounge to help you identify the varieties. Take your binoculars for serious bird watching. The forest is open to the public - you may walk, cycle or horse ride through it. Picnic benches are provided in certain areas. One or two roads traverse the forest, and at small cross roads you will find information boards about the different animals to be seen.

Activity Resume

Horse Riding  2 miles ( in the forest) , Tennis 3 miles, Golf Course 10 minutes drive. Cycle Hire by arrangement with us. (Cycling in the forest) Beaches (shingle at high tide, sandy at low tide) 30 minutes drive. World War 2 Rocket site (in the forest) Fishing (river 3 miles, pond/lake 10 minutes drive, sea 20 minutes) Swimming pool (open air and indoor) 10 miles. Walking in forest (opposite the house). Nearest restaurant – 3 miles. . Chateau/garden visits - nearest 4 miles. (At least 8 more within half an hours drive.)  Village shops (and small supermarket) 3 miles. Large supermarket, all facilities 10 miles. Local markets - nearest 3 miles. Good shopping at Dieppe and Rouen. Museums, art galleries, tourist sights all within 20 minutes drive. Usual seaside activities at Dieppe and along coast. Honfleur, Paris, Monet’s garden, 1^st World War Battlefields, D Day landing beaches, even Disneyland – ideal for day excursions

Golf.

The nearest 18 hole golf course is at St. Saens. There is also a restaurant in the small chateau. Other golf courses can be found at: Dieppe - coastal course.Etretat, Rouen, Bosc -Guerard, Le Havre, Jumieges.

Dieppe Golf Course

La Foret-Verte

Etretat Golf

Swimming Pools.

Nearest is at Neufchatel en Bray. Others at Forges les Eaux and Dieppe.

During the summer months, there is also an open air pool at Neufchatel and Dieppe

Tennis.

Nearest at Bellencombre.( 3 miles) Enquire at the Hotel de Dieppe bar. . Take your own rackets and balls.

Horse Riding.

Nearest is between Ardouval and Pommereval ( off D915) E. and C Lerat.

There is a tourist booklet giving details of all the different stables in the locality. There are over 800 kms of horseback itineraries available from Tourist Offices. ( Good reports of the Lerat stables - hard hats provided, tuition if required, and very pleasant people, hacking in the forest.

 ( about £7 an hour )

Water Sports.

St. Aubin le Cauf - canoes, sailing windsurfing, bike hire.

Lac de Caniel at Cany Barville (near Fecamp) Open all day every day during July and August. April to October open Wednesdays and weekends. Beach, restaurant, fishing, canoes, sailing, wind surfing, pedaloes etc. (Takes about 45 minutes in the car, entrance is free – nice place for children)

Usual seaside offerings at Dieppe.

River Trips.

Many different boat trips on the Seine, departing from Rouen. Some boats have restaurants.

Sea/Fishing Trips.

A variety of trips are on offer from Dieppe, Fecamp, Le Havre, and Le Treport.

Hiking.

4,000 kilometres of hiking itineraries  in the Seine Maritime area ( long and short walks). Tourist information offices hold the full stock of maps. Maps of local walks are on the bookcase.

River fishing.

The Seine et Maritime area has 1500kms of first category river fishing and 150kms of 2^nd category along the Seine. Local legislation must be adhered to. Permits available at the café in Bellencombre.

 

Pond/lake fishing.

Trout fishing - Nearest at Torcy le Grand ( 5 miles) and Forges les Eaux

 

Chateau/Gardens/Museums/Day trips.

Nearest chateau is at Mesnieres en Bray, between Ardouval and Neufchatel. The castle at Dieppe is open all year and has a good collection of ivory on display. The chateau at Cleres has zoological gardens ideal for children and interesting too for grown ups! Monet’s famous garden at Giverny is approx. one and a half hours drive away. If you are thinking of visiting Paris for the day, you may prefer to take the  fast train (about an hour) from Rouen – there is good parking at the station. Some hardy types have also “done” Disneyland in a day – but they were pleased they had the rest of the holiday to recouperate! World War 11 Normandy beaches can be reached in about 90 mins. Also, battlefields of 1^st World War near Amiens – about 1 hours drive. Please follow the link to the Normandy tourist pages for a full description of everything available.

 

Cycle hire.

Nearest cycle hire is in Neufchatel, also at Dieppe, Forges les Eaux and Auffay, but you may now hire up to 4 adult mountain bikes from ourselves.

Bowling Alley

The nearest bowling alley is at the Belvedere Centre on the outskirts of Dieppe. It opens at 2pm and doesn’t close until 4am! Great for insomniacs.

Rouen.

A day trip here is a must - but it is near enough to pop in for the afternoon for a spot of shopping. Rouen is the city where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake so it is rich in history. As well as the lovely old quarter, there are museums, the Cathedral, the markets, the Seine, and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which is reputed to house France’s richest collection of art from 15^th Century. There are apparently Monets and Sisleys here.

Local Markets

Every day, there is usually a market being held somewhere in the vicinity. To help you plan your stay we have compiled a  weekly chart of markets and this is displayed on the notice board. The Sunday market is Rouen is recommended. Throughout the summer there are evening markets at St. Saens. Dates will be posted on the notice board.

 

Casinos.

Nearest is at Forges les Eaux. Others at Dieppe, St. Valery en Caux, Etretat

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