The site for the Normandy Detached Villas is on the edge of the pretty village of Haleine. Haleine has all the facilities one would need, shops, supermarket, bars and restaurants. Several other villages are within close proximity, including well known Bagnoles de L’Orne, only 7.5 km away.

This enchanting region of France conjures up so many images: The elegant summertime playgrounds of the Cote Fleuri and Deauville, Honfleur, historic Chateaux, the apple and pear orchards of the Auge, Mont-st-Michel, Bayeux and its historic tapestry, gourmet restaurants and fabulous shopping. With its mild temperate climate and relaxed atmosphere whatever lifestyle you choose is readily available.

First impressions of this naturally elegant town are the lake overlooked by the pristine Art Deco casino – roulette, blackjack and slot machines are amongst the games of chance. A pub, cinema, theatre and restaurant are also available in this unique building with it’s exceptional lakeside setting. The southern part of town features sumptuous Belle Epoque style villas, which were built in the 1890’s for Parisian High Society to enjoy countryside vacations. The Mairie or Town Hall is located in a picture postcard chateaux surrounded by parkland in the centre of town.

Since the turn of the century Bagnoles has been famous for its hot springs and a number of Spas can be found. The cerny centre, amongst others, offers a warm welcoming atmosphere with a plethora of health and beauty treatments available. Hot stones, body modelling, shiatsu, manicure, water-jet massage, – and so on.

Cultural events and festivals abound: music concerts, street parties, equestrian events and the famous Automne Gourmand where the local chefs showcase their specialities. There are at least 3 gourmet restaurants in Bagnoles including the renowned Manoir de Lys. Numerous cafés, bars and small restaurants offer “plat du jour” at realistic prices.

The area in an acknowledged horse breeding centre – riding lessons and horse back riding are available, plus occasional horse racing. Other sporting facilities in town include an indoor swimming pool, leisure centre and tennis courts. The 9 hole Bagnoles Golf Course is on the edge of town.

Bordering Bagnoles in the green paradise of the forest of Andaines – 17,000 acres of protected woodland where over 150 miles of marked trails have been laid out for hikers, walkers and mountain bikers. A good chance here to spot a roebuck or collect the mushrooms for which the area is famous. Boating is available on many of the picturesque lakes in the area – as is fishing. Target species are the giant carp and catfish for which France is renowned.

There is a good opportunity to buy locally produced fruit, cheeses, craft ware and sweets at the lakeside market on Wednesdays and Fridays, or Tuesdays and Saturdays in the park that fronts the Town Hall. Newcomers will want to take advantage of the locally arranged guided tours – churches, priories, the countryside, chateaux and numerous friendly little villages are on the itinerary.

For a change of pace and the ultimate in “big city” lifestyle Paris is just 2 hours away by train. Offering some of the best shopping, entertainment and restaurants in the World. The Cote Fleurei and Deauville are little more than an hours journey by car. With Parisian style shopping, casino, elegant promenade and racecourse Deauville is a “must see”.

The beaches here are a summertime magnet. Further west along the coast are the D. Day beaches – Gold, Sword, Juno, Utah and Omaha. The allied landings known as Operation Overlord – took place in 1944. The incredible battle scenes were re-created in the Steven Spielberg film “Saving Private Ryan”. This major event in World History is depicted in a number of museums in the areas especially the Arromanches 360 – where viewers area surrounded by 9 TV screens to fully appreciate the scale of the battle.