Property
Two gîtes (formerly the stables of a chateau built by Louis XV) in an 18th century farmhouse, situated in peaceful countryside close to the town of Falaise, Lower Normandy. Each unit has 4 bedrooms (over 3 floors, with top and bottom safety gates on the stairs), fully equipped kitchen, an open plan living room, TV/DVD player, and private fenced garden.

Location
Domaine de la Tour is situated 1km off the main road, surrounded by 500 hectares (whatever those are) of forest and agricultural land. The nearest town is Falaise, just a few minutes drive away where you will find two large supermarkets, a variety of shops, restaurants, banks, bakeries, an aquatic center and weekly market on Saturday morning. It is within 30 minutes of the nearest coast and 20 minutes of Caen by motorway.

Sleeps
2-8.

Highlights
Laundry facilities. Paddocks with farm animals for your children to pet (April through November). Shared playroom with oodles of toys for small children, and table tennis for older children.

Good to know
Pack light. The people who run Domaine de la Tour can provide just about anything child-related that your heart may desire. See web site for details.

Contact
www.toddlerholiday.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
An 18^th century former farm in Basse Normandie (Lower Normandy to toi et moi) converted into a luxury holiday property perfect for families with babies and toddlers.

Location
Number Four is situated in the small commune of Magny on the outskirts of Trun. It falls within the department of Orne and is within 55 minutes of the coast and 45 minutes from Caen. Trun is a typical small French town with a range of shops including three bakeries, a butchers, supermarket, traditional grocers and a bank with cash machine.

Sleeps
3-8.

Highlights
Securely fenced pool. Enclosed garden. Bikes with child seats. Large and fully-equipped playroom.

Good to know
You probably won’t find everything you need in the small village markets. Go to the large hypermarket (supermarket) in nearby Argentan to stock up.

Contact
www.toddlerholiday.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
A gorgeous rambling 17th century farmhouse (complete with orchard, playbarn, sandbox, wading pool, TV with English language channels and BBQ) comprising 3 apartments in the heart of the Norman countryside. The Anglo-French owners offer a relaxing and restful environ ment with a unique combination of the flexibility and living space of self-catering accommodation and the optional services of a small hotel. Stylish yet extremely child-friendly décor. These people really get it.

Location
The house is located in the small village of Villers Canivet, five minutes drive from the historic town of Falaise in Normandy. It’s just 40 mins from the ferry port of Caen, and easy to reach by sea, train, or air. Close by are chateaux, local markets, beaches (40 minutes), and sporting activities, however you may just want to stay closer to home, lazing in the hammock in the orchard or taking a gentle stroll to the local boulangerie for fresh bread and croissants.

Sleeps
3-7

Highlights
Looking forward to French cuisine, but not with your unruly kids? For not very many euro per person, your hosts will deliver a gourmet 3-course meal (wine included) after bedtime, and collect the dirty dishes afterwards. Can you spell v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n?

Good to know
17th century childproofing isn’t always up to modern standards. Close and lock those upstairs shutters for peace of mind.

Contact
www.toddlerholiday.com

Written by Jamie Pearson