Ferme de La Moricière, Sartilly - Between Mont Saint Michel and Chausey Islands

 

 

The farm and surroundings
With very easy access from Cherbourg or Ouistreham Ferry Harbour, La Moricière farm is set

in an outstanding location near to the famous Mont Saint Michel and the wild Chausey Islands. Pilgrims would come here from all over Europe to reach the
« Western Star ». For more than a thousand years, this incredible village and monastery built up
on a tiny island, has been the site of many battles and at the centre of both envy and great devotion.
All the area and bay is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the second most visited French monument you will enjoy with incredible privacy.

La Moricière farm sits on one of the seven hills surrounding the beautiful Sartilly region. The farm is criss-crossed by historical pilgrims’ footpaths which lead down to the sea shore where for centuries people have walked across the bay barefoot to the monastery at low tide. You will walk this same historical path across the fields to reach your tent located at the top of a hill with far reaching views across the bay. Just imagine yourself sitting outside your tent watching a stunning sunset with a glass of wine and eating a tasty local diner out of the bread oven. Make sure you have a camera to capture those magical moments. If you’re lucky, you may even see a badger nearby.

This is an area steeped in history where you will discover ancient farms and manor houses scattered in the country just next to the coast. There’s so much to discover in this area, from the wild and windswept sand dunes of Dragey, the Champeaux cliffs, to the family sandy beaches at Carolles, Jullouville and Saint-Jean Le Thomas. The area is well known for horses and for sheep breeding on the salt marshes around the bay. From Granville Harbour, a one or two day trip to the wilderness of the Chausey Islands (more than 350 at low tide) is well worth it. Theses islands are scattered in the tropical Gulf Stream, and once visited, will never be forgotten.

 

The Moricière family
More than 200 years ago, around the time of the French Revolution, our family came to La Moricière in search of safety. Today we (Yves and Sylvie) run an organic dairy farm with a herd of « Normandes » (Normandy) cows and their calves as well as pigs, chicken and goats.

Yves will be delighted to share his farming knowledge with you and in particular the art of cheese making as well as recommendations on the best local cheese to buy. Yves used to produce one of the most famous local cheeses, « Pont L’Evêque ». Sylvie has good English if you accept to speak slowly, as in addition to her work on the farm, she works as a tour guide, taking small groups by foot across the bay. She has an extensive knowledge of environmental issues in this unique area and is passionate about sharing her knowledge. We both share a passion for restoring old buidings using organic and eco-friendly techniques such as raw material bricks : our Farm Larder, « le Cellier » as we name it, and the three charming individual hot showers are a good example of how we like things to be done.

Thomas and Clément our two sons (14 and 11 years old) certainly know all the best secret play areas on the farm for the children to build dens. You’ll be sure also to meet Toupie the farm dog who is not the best help with the cows but is very friendly since being rescued at 6 months old, and Bidouille the cat who has yet to catch a mouse !

You are our guests and we are looking forward to showing you round our 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 farming at La Moricière
Every day, morning and evening, you will be able to watch and help with the milking. No doubt you will meet the cows on the one path which links the fields and farm : depending upon the time of year, you may even be able to help with the calves, chickens, pigs and goats. There is always something happening on the farm : wood fences to be mended, firewood to be chopped and help with the organic vegetable garden. Since acquiring more fields, Yves and Sylvie are now enjoying their long awaited organic certification.

Pets are not allowed
Because of the farm activities and the number of animals here, pets are not welcome at La Moricière.

Unique to La Moricière farm
Mont Saint Michel is the second most renowned French monuments and is definitely worthy of it’s international reputation. Finding the best farm in this area was a real challenge and La Moricière fits the bill perfectly. You’ll be able to enjoy all this fabulous area has to offer whilst still feeling off the beaten tourist track as the farm is located midway between « Le Mont » and Chausey Islands.Depending on weather conditions, we will also prepare some roasted beef or pork in our wood-fired oven next to the barn where our Farm Larder is : The Place to Be !

La Moricière offers a unique destination in which to enjoy your perfect holiday : no doubt you will want to come back and explore further. We're looking forward to welcoming you soon !