About us
La Bicyclette Bleue is a former traditional Normandy corps de ferme (farm house, barn and stables) sitting on an acre of land by the side of a quiet lane in the small hamlet of Le Hameau Durand.
The house is believed to be the oldest in the hamlet, dating from between 1785 and 1807. It is owned and run as a small Chambre d'hote/table d'hote accommodation by an anglo/French couple, who moved to France from Kent in the UK. in 2018. We have a very friendly Springer Spaniel called Poppy, two cats called Kishka and Truffles, six chickens called Quiche Lorraine, Benedicte, Scramble, Omelette, Devilled and Florentine.
The house and grounds are a work in progress. We now have a front garden, and we have planted vegetable garden and a small orchard. We have turned an open stable into an outside dining area and we have lots of plans for both the house and garden at La Bicyclette Bleue, so, keep an eye on the website, Facebook, Twitter or visit our blog;
Neil also runs an upcycling business from the house called Stable9Design; https://www.facebook.com/stableninedesign/
Freddy also operates his own translation hand holding and Language teaching business, Shadows 25/50. He is fluent in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, and competent in Italian. Guests who need translation help during their stay are welcome to call on him;
Where are we?
La Bicyclette Bleue is in the small hamlet of Le Hameau Durand, close to the village of Montpinchon in the department of Manche in the region of lower Normandy.
Our nearest shops are in the small town of Cerisy La Salle, seven minutes away, we also have shops in Courcy and Belval Gare. The larger town of Coutances is 15 minutes away. The coast is just 20 minutes from the house.
Room 1 - Double or twin room with breakfast | €60 | Plus 50 cents tourist tax per person per night |
Room 2 - Double room with breakfast | €55 | |
Single occupancy (10% off) with breakfast | Room 1 €54 / Room 2 €49.50 | Plus 50 cents tourist tax per person per night |
Usual checking in time is from 4pm - 8pm but if this is difficult please inform us in advance and we will do our best to accomodate you. Check out on the day of departure is no later than 11am. | If not booking through a booking agency, we hold the booking for seven days and we ask for a 40% deposit to be paid by bank transfer or Paypal | |
2 course dinner | €20 per person | 3 courses - Aperitifs, starter (or dessert) main course, cheese, and coffee, wine and cider - 24 hours notice required, 48 hours for a Sunday. |
1 course evening snack | €6.00 per person | Snack with a cold drink and coffee. |
Packed lunch | €5.00 per person | Sandwich, a packet of crisps, a piece of fruit, a piece of cake and a carton of juice. |
Parking. bike storage, wifi access, linen/towels/basic toiletries, tea/coffee/hot chocolate making facilities, cold pack freezing | All included | |
At this moment we are only able to take payment in cash. |
The rooms
At the moment we have two rooms. Both rooms are decorated in eclectic and vintage style.
Room 1
Can be set up as a double or twin room (please stipulate your preferred option when booking) or it can be booked as a single room (10% reduction for single occupancy). It includes a private vestibule and an en-suite shower room.
Room 2
This is a double room or it can be booked a single room. It includes a private shower room across the corridor.
Both rooms are equipped with electric fires, fans, tea and coffee making facilities, free wifi access, radio alarm clock, hairdryer, electric adaptors and there are also ironing facilities and a cd/dvd player (on request) with a range of dvds to borrow.
The shower rooms are equipped with towels and toiletries.
Please note - we do not have television in the room or within the property.
NB: The above prices are applicable to direct bookings. Bookings made through online booking agencies will have an extra administration fee but we will receive the same amounts as detailed above. We recommend that you book with us directly by phone or email - we're not that scary we promise and it will save you money in the process.
Food
The Breakfast
Food is important to us. The breakfast is included in the price of the room. We provide a good locally sourced continental breakfast that includes a selection of hot drinks, fruit juice, ham, cheese, bread, pastries, home made jams and home made yoghurt.
Other meals
We can provide a two course evening meal. This is a set menu, although obviously we will cater for dietry needs, and guests traditionally eat with their hosts, which allows us to be-able to serve wine and cider. It is served in the entrance/dining room, or in the garden.
We can also provide a hot or cold snack if you are intending to arrive late (after 8pm) as well as afternoon tea and packed lunches - details are above.
NB We can also order a locally made seafood platter of varying sizes and prices, which we serve with home made chips and salad (minimum 48 hours notice needed - there will be an extra cost for this)
Other facilities
Guests are welcome to use the dining room/entrance hall, and encouraged to explore the wild flower meadow at the front of the building with it’s front gardens, vegetable garden and orchard. There are also garden games, boules, palet and softbal tennis/badminton/ Cycle storage, breakfast, wifi, use of BBQ, cold pack freezing - all included.
Parking
We have a large driveway with enough room to comfortably park five cars (plus more if needed).
Pets
We love animals, and know that they deserve a holiday too. However sadly at the moment we are unable to cater for pets, although in the future we hope to have appropriate accommodation. However, we can reccomend a local kennels and cattery who will be happy to help you.
NB. Remember to bring anti-histamines if you are allergic to animal fur.
