Things To Do

On-Site Activities

Activities at Les Patis include the use of a large, heated, communal swimming pool with an outdoor hot tub for adults. There is also a tennis court with basketball ring, table-tennis and boules. Bicycles are also available to explore the local area.

Fishing on the private lake will yield large and healthy carp, tench and roach; no license is required.

Additionally, guests can simply take a stroll within the grounds taking in the natural beauty or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the River Vie that borders Les Patis.

In The Local Area

The pretty town of Vimoutiers is less than one mile away that has an array of shops and restaurants including a small supermarket. Twice a week the town holds a traditional market, were you can sample delicious local produce, however for really good, solid Norman cooking visit one of the area’s fermes auberges (working farms) which welcomes paying visitors to share their meals.

The Pays d’Auge is famous for its gastronomic products. Approximately six miles away, tourists can discover how the famous cheeses of Camembert, Livarot and Pont L’Eveque are made at the Graindorge cheese dairy in Livarot using non-pasteurised milk. Or, only two miles away is the village of Camembert, the birthplace of the famous Camembert cheese. Here, tourists can visit the cheese museum to learn the history of the cheese and taste different local cheeses of the area.

Cider, calvados and pommeau are also produced throughout Calvados and Normandy, but more specifically the Pays d’Auge. Tourists can ramble around ‘La Route de Cidre’ (The Cider Route), 40km in total, in a setting with apple orchards and half-timbered houses, and enter one of the many distilleries that unveil the secrets of producing these famous and delicious beverages.

In Normandy, horses are a way of life, none more so than in the Pays d’Auge where thoroughbred horses are born and bred in the many stud farms throughout the area. Tourists can easily book horse or pony treks to admire the natural beauty of the Pays d’Auge from horseback, visit one of the many stud farms to learn the tradition of rearing racing horses or even experience the thrill of raceday at one of the many racecourses in the area. In October, don’t miss the Equi’ days festival and discover the many facets of the equestrian world.

For the history buffs, Vimoutiers boasts to having one of the two last remaining Tiger I tanks in France from WWII. Additionally, Mont-Ormel memorial is a 10 minute drive from Les Patis. The memorial is dedicated to the servicemen of WWII who gave their lives during the Battle of Falaise. The memorial has exceptional views over the La Dives valley where the battle took place including an interactive museum.

If modern day history isn’t you’re forte, then why not visit the birthplace of William the Conqueror at the Chateau de Falaise, approximately a 30 minute drive from Les Patis. Exceptional for the whole family to enjoy; tourists can wander the fully restored castle using handheld tablets to take you back to what life was like in 12th and 13th Century Normandy.

Further Afield

Further a field, the Normandy Beaches of the historical D-Day landings including other WWII sites are an easy drive from here. Bayeux with its magnificent hand worked tapestry, majestic Cathedral and many restaurants, is less than one hour away. Monet's House and Gardens at Giverney, though a little further, are a memorable way to spend a day. Honfleur with its charming fishing port, surrounded by first class seafood restaurants, is also very close.

Nature sport enthusiasts will find plenty to amuse them in La Suisse Normande from hiking, mountain-biking, paragliding, climbing and canoeing; and the open-air leisure base in Pont d’Ouilly offering, among other activities, the possibility to paddle down the River Orne, is a great day out for all the family. And don’t miss the village of Clecy with its typical stone and slate buildings, reminiscent of a genuine mountain village in the heart of Normandy.