The Area

The hamlet of La Collardiere sits overlooking a river valley, surrounded by farmland with characteristic small fields with hedges and small copses. A tarred track leads up to the hamlet which comprises 3  other holiday cottages, and 2 fulltime residents including ourselves. It is a no through road. To the west protection is offered by a large hill which is densely wooded belonging to a large neighbouring estate. All this makes for a very peaceful location, with a rich diversity of bird, animal and plant life.

     The next village called Beauchene is about 2 kms away, with one small bar/restaurant shop. At 3kms distance is Lonlay L'Abbaye, the village or commune to which La Collardiere belongs. It has a medieval abbey church, a small supermarket, a baker, restaurant, bank, post office, dotor and chemist. It is also home to the Lonlay biscuit factory, which produces a range of delicious buttery biscuits.

The next larger towns are Domfront, with it's medieval centre about 12kms away.It also has 2 supermarkets and typical range of shops and several restaurants.       At 15kms distance is the town of Flers, which has a rail link to Paris, and a larger range of shopping and a market twice a week.

The coast is just over an hours drive to the west, with sandy beaches, delicious seafood and of course Mont St Michel dominating the bay. There are several chateaus to visit, beautiful gardens, and interesting villages to explore. For  sporty folk there is tennis, horseriding,golf facilities, and varied beautiful countryside for walking or cycling.