Ferme de La Folivraie, Louvières - Omaha Beach, Calvados

The farm and surroundings

La Folivraie is where the great Un Lit au Pré story started ! One hour away from Caen Ferry Harbour (Ouistreham), you will find the small village of Louvières, ideally situated 1.5 km from the sea, bordering both « Marais du Bessin » National Park and the protected coastal area. The fields undulate towards the village with it’s small houses built in limestone. The 12th century church is home to one of the most beautiful clock-towers in the area and certainly the tallest. From the farm, you’ll find sunken tracks which lead further South to small Veret river. The high cliffs of nearby Vierville enjoy spectacular views of the coastline across to the « Pointe de la Percée » : up until the beginning of the 20th century, the locals were still using ropes to descend to the shoreline and walk fishing on to the rocky areas.

La Folivraie is an area steeped in history, where the fortified farms and manor houses bear the marks of a past which has seen a number of battles. 10km from the farm you will find the seaside town of Port-en-Bessin, which today is the most important commercial fishing port of the Basse Normandie region. In the 11th century, William the Conqueror was already building his boats here, those that would subsequently be used in the Conquest of England. Much later, the fields at Formigny (5 km/ 3 miles away) were the scene of the decisive battles signifying an end to the 100 year war. This area was well known for it’s water fowl and was reputed to be a favourite hunting area for Louis the 14th. In recent times, the farm has miraculously survived the bombings and battles in the area, including that of the Allied forces landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6th June 1944.

The farming at La Folivraie

The Folivraie farm dates back to the 14th century and is a small scale 40 hectare organic dairy farm, milking about 30 cows. You will find a variety of vegetables being grown (depending upon the season) including green beans, potatoes, carrots, courgettes, leeks, radishes, scallions, salads, and occasionally tomatoes, all of which are grown organically on the farm. We are more and more passionate about farming organically, particularly after tasting vegetables grown using other methods ! The farm's inhabitants are numerous : first our shire but friendly terrier, then three goats, fifty chickens, guinea fowl, turkeys, three donkey, a mare and many calves depending on the year. The dairy and the barns are less than 100 metres from the tents. Kids will love it ! Why not go for a nice walk with us to get the cows back to the stable...

The Folivraie farm family
Our family has farmed at La Folivraie for over 60 years. We, Marguerite-Marie and Jacques, are passionate about farming and love to share our knowledge of organic farming and best information about the local area. We have four children, Teddy, Aymeric, Thalia and Landelin : the two young ones might also show your children the games and all the best hiding places around the farm.

We would also like you to think of our stay together as a shared chance to hone our language skills ! Speak English slowly with us, then we can reply clearly in French - that way we both know each other's languages and cultures a little better !

The location of the tents

The tents are nestled in hedges in a south-facing a large meadow which gently slopes towards the Veret River. You can reach your tent via a small wooden bridge surrounded by trees. The village clock can be seen from the fields and acts as a great point of reference when you’re out walking. When you’re half asleep early in the morning don’t be surprised to hear a cow right behind your head ! The cows pass by your tent every morning after being milked...

Pets welcome
Pets are welcome on La Folivraie, but you'll have to keep them under close control near livestock. Please respect any advice given by the farmers.

Unique to La Folivraie farm
Nestled between the sea and the beautiful countryside, La Folivraie offers a unique experience with great farming knowledge from Jacques and Marguerite Marie. Why not also enjoy the fantastic sunsets ? Take your bicycle and get down to beach ! 500 m away from the farm, don't miss Vaumicel Castel hidden on your left...

Back at the farm, note that the wooden stable has fantastic acoustics and on a summer’s evening, this sometimes plays host to small concerts or theatrical productions. Last tip from Jacques and Marguerite-Marie : con't forget your wellies ! On rainy dayw (yes it happens sometimes) mud « falls in love » with your shoes !

Things to do and discover in the area
• On the road to Port en Bessin, enjoy impressive views along the Omaha Bay and happy Sunday morning along the harbour with its fresh sea food market. Why not buy fresh mussels and cook them back in your tent ! It's a good idea to give them a scrub, scraping off any barnacles. A final couple of rinses will ensure a sand-free meal. They need very little cooking : place them in the bottom of a large pan with a piece of butter and shallots from the farm. As soon as the shells start gaping open, you know they are ready. Add a good spalsh of white wine and parsil but don't overcook them or you'll end up with rubbery flesh. Bon Appétit !
• Numerous footpaths around the farm and fantastic bicycle ride through Aignerville to Trévières
• Stunningly beautiful Omaha Beach with an 8 km stretch of sandybeach
• You can also access the American cemetery in Colleville from Omaha wild sand dunes
• The historical landing site of the Allied Forces (Pointe du Hoc)
• The medieval city of Bayeux with the tapestry of Queen Mathilda and stunning Summer Night Parade early-July
 

NEW IN 2012

• Slow Food
Country Soup (vegetables) € 27,50 - Farmer Stew (meat) € 32,50
You’ll receive all the ingredients - the fire wood, the recipe and the cooking utensils
to prepare a delicious farmer’s soup or stew at your tent, for four to six hungry people.
As availability is limited, these packages are best pre-booked.


• Ready Beddy Service - € 25 per tent
Only bookable in advance so the farmer can have everything arranged for your arrival
If you’re all in a rush to arrive, there’s no need to spoil the anticipation by stopping off for a service station meal on the way. With the Ready Beddy Service offered by many of our farms, not only the candles will be aglow and your beds made up but your stove will be lit : cooking an evening meal in your tent will be fun, tasty and and much easier ! One hour before arrival, please give us a call : we'll make sure everything is ready...