Normandy

In July last year, we had the lovely pleasure of meeting the most wondering

family in the world, the Bowmans. My family and I, plus Luke and his Dad spend

some time with them in their little farmhouse in Normandy, exploring the area

and just enjoying their company and the beautiful French countryside. They

twisted our arms to come back and see them again in the holidays...

Le Mont St Michel

We drove for around an hour or so from Percy in Normandy, to Le Mont St Michel,

the most incredible monastery in the world. You can see this structure for miles

as your approach, as it is the only built structure on the bay.

The island has been a strategic point holding fortifications since ancient times,

and since the 8th century AD it became the seat of the Saint-Michel monastery,

from which it draws the name. The population of the Island (which is cut off from

the rest of the mainland when the tide come sin) is 41 people, made up of 14

families. If your family is lucky enough to have a house within the castle walls,

then you will more than likely have the house forever- it is impossible to sell

houses or land to "outsiders" who have not had ancestors living on the island.

Aside from spending an amazing time exploring the castle, we spent most of our
days lazing around the garden (which is really more of an orchard) and
basked in the revelment that is fresh air and green grass.

If anyone is ever considering taking a break in the french countryside, then I

strongly recommend you visit the Bowmans. You may just fall in love and never

leave...