Cost saving tips
If you read newspapers or watch television, you may think that a holiday in Europe would be prohibitive this year. This is not true and you can enjoy a great reasonably priced holiday here in our self-catering gite.
- Food / drink
If you think food may be too expensive then do a big shop at your own supermarket before you come. The food will be fine for the time a boat trip takes. If you eat out at mid-day (plat de jour) prices start at about 8 Euros, you could then take a picnic to the beach for tea. An early evening BBQ at the gite is a relaxing way to spend time. A drinkable wine can be found for between 2 – 3 euros and beer is 25 centimes a glass from the supermarket.
- Places to visit / things to do
Beaches, forests, lakes, and country parks are all free. The markets are a good way to spend mornings, maybe taking a coffee on the pavement cafes watching the world go by. Nearby Mortain has spectacular waterfalls, walks with picnic areas. All this too is free. A visit to the famous Mont St Michel can literally only cost the parking fee of 4 euros. Villedieu de Poeles has wonderful streets, courtyard, shops, restaurants and an amazing history. Fougeres has old churches, shops, cinema, squares with fountains and a lovely old chateau, a good photo opportunity, especially when its lit at night, lovely restaurants nearby too. For those who love hunting for a bargain, all flea markets, brocantes (2nd hand shops) are plentiful for browsing usually on a Saturday or Sunday. A morning spent sunbathing on our decking could then be followed by a picnic lunch in the forest, and a swim in the lake. Again all free. The views down our valley are wonderful and children can trampoline, swing or kick a ball as there is plenty of space for them to run off any spare energy. The local park with a lake, swings, climbing frame etc is also ideal for a picnic.
- Miscellaneous
The rate of currency exchange is better on the boat and petrol is roughly the same price as the UK and diesel is slightly cheaper. Also don’t forget you won’t be stuck in any traffic jams, as France enjoys open roads, hassle free.
France does not have to cost a fortune so don’t be put off, enjoy La Belle France. We can promise we will do all we can to make your holiday memorable and guarantee that like a lot of our guests, you will not want to go home. |