Explore Courson, Calvados: Gems of Lower Normandy

At the foot of the Saint-Sever national forest, with its abbey-church and three wash houses, all well worth the detour. Pretty forest trails take you to an old ammunition depot (Braiserie quarter), and to the arboretum boasting 100 tree and shrub species.

Welcome to Saint-Sever-Calvados, a typical Bocage commune built largely of blue granite. Discover this village labeled « Village de Caractère du Calvados », 13 km west of Vire, populated by 1163 inhabitants and which became a delegated commune, within the new commune of Noues-de-Sienne, on January 1, 2017. The other delegated communes are: Champ-du-Boult, Le Gast, Courson, Fontenermont, Mesnil-Clinchamps, Le Mesnil-Caussois, Le Mesnil-Benoist, Saint-Manvieu-Bocage and Sept-Frères.

One of the stages of La Verdoyante, a 200 km cycle route linking Saint-Sever (Noues-de-Sienne) to Lisieux, this section takes you from Saint-Sever, a village with a beautiful abbey, to Vire, a medieval town famous for its famous andouille sausage. The route passes through the Lac de la Dathée, charming villages, dense forests, green valleys and hedgerows typical of southern Calvados. An ideal break for lovers of cycling, unspoilt nature, heritage and gourmet pleasures.

La Verdoyante is a new 200 km cycle route linking Noues-de-Sienne (Saint-Sever-Calvados) to Lisieux, crossing the rolling, unspoilt countryside of southern Calvados. The route crosses emblematic areas such as the Bocage Normand, Suisse Normande, Pays de Falaise and Pays d'Auge, offering a unique immersion in hills, meadows and orchards. Along the way, cyclists can discover : Authentic Bocage villages, The castles of Pontécoulant, Falaise and Vendeuvre, Local products "made in Calvados" such as andouille de Vire, tripe, cider, calvados, livarot, camembert... and a wine estate And to top it all off, the famous Lisieux basilica. An experience rich in heritage, nature and the good life...

Departing from a wayside cross, the ancestor to road signs, this route offers you an immersive forest tour, followed by a stroll along the forest’s edge. Make sure you take a detour via the Coulanges pond, a haven of peace akin to a miniature Quebec.

From the Dathée to Gast lakes, from the Saint-Sever forest to the La Haye and Gast woods, from hollow paths to forest trails, this route is well worth the detour, thanks to the variety of landscapes and paths it follows.

As you leave the forest estate, the route takes you by the FFC (French Cycling Federation ‘Vallée de la Sée’ mountain-biking area and the land of granite quarrymen and stonemasons. You can stop over at the Lac du Gast dam before returning to the forest.

The Saint-Sever forest is highly popular thanks to its landscapes scattered with several ponds and small lakes. Departing grom the Vieux Château pond, this relatively short route offers you the possibility to take a break near the Lac du Gast ornithological reserve or to enjoy a picnic by the Coulanges pond.

Perfectly accessible for the youngest of participants, this route offers an excellent initiation into mountain biking, on paths presenting no particular difficulty.

After a rather difficult portion to start with, the paths taken on this route offer a variety of forest landscapes.

Fly over Mont Saint-Michel Bay on an ultralight trike or autogyro and explore its incredible scenery! FLY OVER MONT SAINT-MICHEL BAY ON AN ULTRALIGHT TRIKE OR AUTOGYRO AND EXPLORE ITS INCREDIBLE SCENERY! Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its medieval architecture and ideal location in the heart of a vast bay invaded by the biggest tides in Europe. In the company of an experienced guide, set off to discover this world-famous site. On an ultralight trike or autogyro, fly all the way around Mont Saint-Michel and take in the panoramic views of the bay and the cliffs of Champeaux. Discover the local flora and fauna and enjoy the adrenaline rush over this historical, cultural and natural site!

Take off on board an ultralight trike or autogyro and take in the breathtaking views over Mont Saint-Michel! TAKE OFF ON BOARD AN ULTRALIGHT TRIKE OR AUTOGYRO AND TAKE IN THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER MONT SAINT-MICHEL! Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises up in the heart of a vast bay invaded by the biggest tides in Europe and offers visitors some spectacular scenery. In the company of a qualified pilot, fly away for a tour of this renowned site! Take in the views of its medieval architecture, the area’s flora and fauna and the beautiful coastal scenery. This is an out-of-the-ordinary way of seeing the Wonder of the Western World!

Located in the small village of Landivy in the province of Mayenne. The village is situated on the border between Normandy and Brittany, making it an ideal place to stay when visiting friends, house hunting or just relaxing in the beautiful French countryside. There are 3 bedrooms available, all with en-suite facilities and widescreen TV with English and French channels. Tea and coffee making facilities available. Continental breakfast included as standard. Outside, a garden to relax in.

Detached 140 m² former manor house set in the Mayenne countryside. This spacious, south-facing gîte has a large garden and 4000 m² of land. It can accommodate up to 9 people with its 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Outside: terrace, garden furniture, boules pitch, children's swing, large courtyard and carport. You can see two donkeys in the meadow in front of the house and rabbits in their hutch. Inside: games room with table tennis and board games. Nearby activities: Basilique Notre-Dame de Pontmain (11 km), Les Jardins de Renaudies (16 km), Parc de loisirs de la Colmont (15 km), Parc de Saint-Symphorien-des-Monts (11 km), Jardin de la Pellerine (19 km). Shops and services: in Fougerolles-du-Plessis (2.4 km).

The house has three bedrooms, two of which are upstairs, and two bathrooms, one of which is also upstairs. It sleeps six people. There are two WCs, a fully-equipped kitchen and a veranda with television and Wi-Fi, as well as a view of a shady garden. Outdoor furniture available 2 euros per towel Situated 3 km from Pontmain, a place of pilgrimage, 20 km from FOUGERES and 45 km from Mont St Michel, with many attractions for younger guests. Also located on the route of the ST jacques de Compostelle hikers to go to the Mont st Michel. If you are a hiker, please contact the owner directly for special rates. rental for 2 nights minimum

Exceptional gîte in the prestigious town of Pontmain. Exceptional for its size: 150 m² with ceiling heights of over 2.5 m, for its modern, comfortable accommodation and for the warm, professional welcome from the Relais du Bocage team. You have access to the Relais' services: restaurant for lunch and dinner (booking required), fitness room and games room (billiards - table football), museum. This gîte is located at the end of the east wing of the Relais, in a peaceful, unoverlooked setting. It has its own private enclosed garden, with a breathtaking view of the Pontmain Basilica. The 12 hectares of wooded parkland are directly accessible from the gîte. The 3 spacious bedrooms can accommodate up to 8 people, with the addition of a hotel-quality 90x190 folding bed in one of the bedrooms. For your outings, as well as visiting the emblematic sites of Pontmain, you can discover the medieval fortress of Fougères (15 min), and Mont Saint-Michel (30 min). Leisure centres with swimming, canoeing, tree climbing, etc. at the Base de loisirs du Chênedet (10km) or the Base de la Colmont in Gorron (20km). Aquatis aquatic complex in Fougères (15km). All shops and services within walking distance. Numerous hiking trails. Possibility of arriving from Fougères station (15km, David taxi), Laval station (55km, taxis or BipBip Voyage for you and your bikes), or Rennes station (65km, numerous taxis). To be booked in advance. Gîte also available for 4 people under the name "Gîte le Bocage H53G020862". Long-stay special offer: 14 to 25 nights -20% and 25 to 30 nights -25%. 1-2 night stays: arrival 4pm - departure 4pm From 3 nights: arrival 4pm - departure 10am

Exceptional gîte in the prestigious town of Pontmain. Exceptional for its size: 110 m² with a ceiling height of over 2.5 m, for its modern, comfortable accommodation and for the warm, professional welcome from the Relais du Bocage team. You have access to the Relais' services: restaurant for lunch and dinner (booking required), fitness room and games room (billiards - table football), museum. This gîte is located at the end of the east wing of the Relais, in a peaceful, unoverlooked setting. It has its own private enclosed garden, with a breathtaking view of the Pontmain Basilica. You'll love the 12 hectares of wooded parkland directly accessible from the gîte. You can sleep up to 4 people - 2 adults and 2 children up to the age of 15 - by adding 1 hotel-quality folding bed or a sofa-bed, either in the large 40m² bedroom or in the 30m² lounge. For your outings, as well as visiting the emblematic sites of Pontmain, you can discover the medieval fortress of Fougères (15 min), and Mont Saint-Michel (30 min). Leisure centres with swimming, canoeing, tree climbing, etc. at the Base de loisirs du Chênedet (10km) or the Base de la Colmont in Gorron (20km). Aquatis aquatic complex in Fougères (15km). All shops and services within walking distance. Numerous hiking trails. Possibility of arriving from Fougères station (15km, David taxi), Laval station (55km, taxis or BipBip Voyage for you and your bikes), or Rennes station (65km, numerous taxis). Please book in advance. Gîte also available for 8 people under the name "Grand gîte le Bocage H53G023371". Long-stay special offer: 14 to 25 nights -20% and 25 to 30 nights -25%. 1-2 night stays: arrival 4pm - departure 4pm From 3 nights: arrival 4pm - departure 10am

The spacious Moulin de la Quentinière will surprise you with the quality of its facilities. It features 5 large, modern bedrooms with a seating area and TV with Freeview, radio channels and free wireless internet. Each room has a king-size bed - with a memory foam mattress - and a double sofa bed. You will also find complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits supplied with the hot drinks machines. There are three bedrooms: "The Clouds" on the 1st floor, "The Sky" and "The Stars" on the 2nd floor and "The Sun" and "The Moon" on the 3rd floor. Each of the bedrooms has a bathroom with a double washbasin - the bedroom on the first floor has a single washbasin - shower and bath. A 6th bedroom, on the ground floor, is used as a relaxation/TV room and has a toilet with washbasin. The bedroom on the first floor comfortably sleeps 2 adults; the bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors sleep 4 adults with the capacity to comfortably sleep up to 6. The spacious lounge, with projector and screen, incorporates the fireplace with sofas and armchairs. The lounge has comfortable seating, books, board games, CDs, DVDs, a 50-inch LCD TV and DVD player. The fully equipped kitchen has a separate Rayburn induction cooker and convection oven. Dining area with table and chairs. Games room with pool table, table tennis and table football. The leisure complex includes a 13 m indoor swimming pool, a gym and a games area with Xbox and Wii consoles to be shared with another gîte, La Petite Maison. The mill also has a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, ironing board and hairdryer. At the end of a long courtyard, the entrance is secured by private, locked gates. The courtyard can accommodate more than 20 cars. Large garden. Minimum stay 2 nights. Compulsory final cleaning charge €150

The Gîte du Petit Maine is located in a quiet housing estate in the market town of Pontmain, close to the basilica and shops. The ground floor comprises a fully-equipped kitchen (oven, fridge, dishwasher, gas hob, toaster, kettle and microwave), a dining room with wood-burning stove and a sitting area. Bathroom with bath and shower and separate toilet. One bedroom with a double bed and another bedroom with two single beds, both on the ground floor. Outside, a south-facing enclosed garden. Garage and bike storage. Bed linen and towels are not provided.

La Petite Maison gîte lets you enjoy the comforts of country living. Outside there is a rose garden, barbecue and patio. The property benefits from 5 bedrooms all with Freeview TV, radio and DVD player. The large entrance hall, with coat rack, umbrella stand and telephone, leads to : -Fully fitted kitchen with table and chairs, double oven, electric hob, dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave, double sink, cupboards -Ground floor toilet -Fitted bathroom -Family room with wood burner, satellite TV and DVD player, large sofa bed, double sofa, side table, piano and chair -Dining room with table and chairs. Adjacent to the lounge/dining room: Bedroom 1: double bed, bedside table with lamps, wardrobe, psyche, TV and DVD player, en-suite shower room - access door to the Roseraie. Floor - First landing : Bedroom 2: Double bed, bedside table with lamps, wardrobe, wall shelves, psyche, Television and DVD player, En-suite shower room with toilet -Bedroom 3: King size bed, bedside table with lamps, Dressing room, Wall mirror, psyche, Television and DVD player, En-suite bathroom with bath, towel shower, double washbasin and vanity unit, Separate toilet. Second landing : -Separate toilet -Room 4 (with mezzanine above): Double trundle bed, wardrobe, TV and DVD player, En-suite shower room -Room 5: Double bed, bedside table, wardrobe, TV and DVD player, En-suite shower room. Access to the leisure complex: indoor swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium, from which stairs lead to the games area with table football, pool table, table tennis, darts, various board games, Xbox-Wii consoles. Basement: cellar with washing machine and tumble dryer. Slowlydays brand CLICK HERE to discover the portrait of Dorn, hired by Slowlydays.

the new commune of Noues de Sienne - Saint Sever Calvados, nestled in the Bocage Normand, was born in 2017 from the merger of 9 communes. Endowed with a rich heritage and committed to the art of living, the commune wanted to carry out various projects in line with the departmental label "village de caractère du Calvados". Its efforts were rewarded on December 04 in Bénouville. Its projects focused on : Redevelopment of the Place Lebrun in the town center Development of the square in front of the town hall A new organization in levels with landscaping, demarcation of pedestrian spaces and parking with a different asphalt mix Application of a charter for shopfronts and signage, drawn up with the help of the CAUE 3D tour of the abbey church via a digital tablet Off-season sports activities Installation of directional and tourist signage and replacement of the interpretation desk on the motte castrale

Built during the XIIIth Century in granite and remodelled during the XIXth Century, the Abbey looks quite dumpy. The interior is very beautiful, despite the irregular layout of the nave (during the XVIth century the nave was split into two; a parish church and an abbatial church). Also to be seen: the lantern-light tower, its dome mounted on a cupola (smaller dome) with an entasis 100m high: a separate belfry remains in the old parish church.

Mound located in the Saint Sever forest and occupied from the year 1000 to 1050. Built at the confluence of two rivers, comprising the mound itself, 2 embankments and 3 ditches blocking the 3rd side and facing a major communication route: the former Vieux-Avranches Roman Road and the route to the Mont Saint-Michel. Explanatory panels. Unaccompanied visit.

Producer of cider, calvados and Normandy aperitif, M. Mette offers an insight into his small-scale traditional production, from harvesting the apples to bottling. Tasting sessions and boutique.

Japanese-inspired ceramics workshops (tatara, kurinuki, pinched technique (tébinéri)...) by the day or over several days, and 3-hour discovery session

The chapel was built during the XVIth century in the heart of the forest where a XIIth century orator preached. It was reconstructed during the XVIIIth century. Today it is open to everyone and is a place of prayer for the Carmelite Sisters who have inhab

Small Romanesque church dating to the XIIth century. To be seen : the belfry, the cross points of the transept and the wooden statue of Saint Christopher.

Come and discover and taste the authentic savours which will take you to new heights. The in-house traditional cuisine of Nathalie is made with fresh, local produce from organic vegetables. In the morning and afternoon, the warm, bright ambiance is particularly inviting to have a drink or a cup of tea. Wi-Fi is available to consumers. Once a month, the Samovar organises a concert with local groups, French music, jazz - entertainment guaranteed !

Want to enjoy a good barbecue in a picturesque place? Véronique welcomes you in her restaurant with its open kitchen, for more conviviality. You will be able to enjoy typical dishes of our region such as ham with cider sauce or hot camembert, all prepared in an old-fashioned rotisserie. Generous dishes, a dream setting and a quick service on request, the right formula for a successful meal!

Nathalie and Bertrand welcome you to their inviting restaurant situated in the Place du Pussoir Fidèle, one of the prettiest places in Villedieu. In the high season, the cobbled terrace offers a place of relaxation set against a unique background. You can choose from a varied menu that will satisfy most palettes. The finest gourmets will appreciate the particular care that is taken for the fresh produce and in-house dishes. Menu price range: 12,50 € (from mid-day Tuesday to Friday). Dishes from 8€. Saturdays and evenings are from the à la carte menu.

Situated in Villedieu town centre, the Conquistador is the perfect compromise between an inviting ambiance and a cuisine varied and accessible to all. The comprehensive take-away menu will tempt you and banquets can be organised by request.

Le Salon des Saisons is a hybrid bookshop and tea room. You'll discover a varied selection of books, both new and second-hand, as well as games, cards, notebooks, pens and much more. You can relax around a table or on a sofa while enjoying a cup of tea, coffee or, in summer, a cool drink. Delicious pastries are also available to enhance your experience.

The Hôtel de France welcomes you in Vire, in the tradition of the Logis de France. A local cuisine, home-made with slate formula for lunch and bistronomic in the evening. Seminar and banquet rooms.

In the heart of Vire, Valérie and Michael WAHL welcome you to their restaurant with its refined setting and flavorsome cuisine. You will enjoy tasty dishes made with local products from our region: Norman specialties and traditional gastronomic cuisine!

The restaurant La Table au Bowling de Vire offers you different formulas and seasonal dishes in a warm and comfortable place. The cooking is made with fresh and regional products for a simple, refined and greedy cooking. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

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In a green setting in the Normandy countryside, halfway between VIRE and VILLEDIEU-LES-POÊLES, this gîte offers a relaxing stay for the whole family and/or friends. On the edge of a small private pond, where you can cast your fishing rod, you'll find the market town of Saint Sever Calvados nearby (3kms), with all amenities (shops, pharmacy, doctor, osteopath, service station and garage), as well as the Saint Sever national forest with its hiking and horse-riding trails, the old castle pond, the forest stopover with its restaurant, the mini-farm and its accrobranche activity. Water park and golf course at VIRE (15kms) and SKYPARK at SOULEUVRE-EN-BOCAGE (26kms) for extreme sports: bungee jumping, pendulum jumping, giant swing, summer tobogganing, giant zip line and sensory course. Located 40 minutes from the first beaches around Granville, come and stay in a green setting in reconnection with nature. The first part of the accommodation comprises a separate fully-equipped kitchen, a living room, a first floor with 4 bedrooms with 2 double beds, 1 single bed, 1 cot and 1 bunk bed, 2 shower rooms and WCs, one with bath and the other with shower. The second part comprises a kitchenette opening onto the small living room, a shower room and WC, and upstairs 1 bedroom with double bed and single bed. The land is not fenced and the pond is not secured.

Adjoining the owner's home, located in the countryside on a verdant property. This recently-built gîte is bright and airy all day long, making it ideal for family get-togethers. It features a fully-equipped kitchen opening onto the living room, a ground-floor bedroom accessible to people with reduced mobility with its own shower room and toilet, 3 upstairs bedrooms, one with its own shower room, and on the landing 1 shower room and separate toilet. A terrace at the back of the house lets you enjoy the sunset. Situated halfway between VIRE and VILLEDIEU-LES-PÔELES and 3kms from the village of SAINT SEVER CALVADOS, which boasts all amenities: shops, pharmacy, doctor, osteopath, service station, carrefour contact and garage, as well as its Forêt Domaniale where you can enjoy hiking and horse-riding, not forgetting the forest stopover with its restaurant and tree-climbing course. The golf course and the Lac de la Dathée (VIRE 15kms) will give you the chance to practice your putting or take a stroll around the lake with its bird sanctuary. For fans of extreme sports, the SKYPARK at the Viaduc de la Souleuvre in LA SOULEUVRE-EN-BOCAGE (26kms) lets you try your hand at bungee jumping, the giant zip-line, the giant swing, tobogganing on rails and offers a sensory course. The first beaches around GRANVILLE are 40 minutes away, and MONT SAINT MICHEL 50 minutes.

This charming little house of "Mitouflères" offers you comfort and authenticity. You will appreciate the living room and its superb period fireplace as well as the neat and flowery garden. A few steps away, the national forest of St-Sever (acrobatic course in the trees, educational path in height, restaurant) is an invitation to walk. Swimming pool at 1km (in the village, heated in July and August). Lake at 10 km. Independent gîte located in the property. First floor : kitchen, living room with lounge area (fireplace, armchairs and sofa), piano, 1 large bedroom (1 double bed : 160 cm), shower room, washing machine, WC. On the mezzanine floor: 1 bedroom (2 single beds). Electric heating. Dishwasher. TV with foreign channels reception. Large garden with garden furniture. Wifi internet access. Beds made. Sheets, towels and tea towels included. Electric gate.

The Poppy wooden cabin is located on the La Porte campsite. It sleeps 4, with a double bed and a bunk bed. There are sitting areas both inside and out. There's also a terrace on the roof of the cabin. Showers, water and dry toilets are available to all campers. There are also two covered outdoor kitchens fully equipped with seating and everything you need in a kitchen (fridge, freezer, gas stove, cooking utensils and crockery). Various games and sports equipment are also available for children. Pets are welcome!

The Daisy wooden cabin is located on the La Porte campsite. It is designed for 2 people, with two single beds. There's also a terrace on the roof of the cabin. Showers, classic toilets and dry toilets are available to all campers. There are also two covered outdoor kitchens fully equipped with seating and everything you need in a kitchen (fridge, freezer, gas stove, cooking utensils and crockery). Various games and sports equipment are also available for children. Pets are welcome!

Two bell tents are available for rental at Camping La Porte. One tent sleeps 5, the other 4. Bed linen and towels are provided. Showers, water and dry toilets are available and used by all campers. There are also two covered outdoor kitchens with everything you need for cooking (gas stove, cooking utensils, crockery, fridge and freezer). For those interested, there are various indoor and outdoor games. Pets are welcome!

The gîte is at the end of a cul-de-sac surrounded by fields. It comprises a bedroom with two single beds, a bathroom and a living room and kitchen area. There is also a small private garden.

The gîte is located in the last house in a cul-de-sac surrounded by fields. There are two bedrooms, one with a double bed, the other with a double and a single bed. There are also two bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and a spacious living and dining room. The garden with swimming pool is available for communal use, but is shared with the owner. Pets are welcome.

Country cottage on an independent and closed ground, with asphalted court in a very calm place at 6 kms of the national forest of St-Sever with the many circuits of excursions. It is an ideal situation to discover our beautiful Normandy. The house includes on the first floor a kitchen with a dining area, a living room with wood stove, a toilet area with sink. On the first floor, 3 bedrooms, an independent WC, a shower room with shower. Outside, storage room with washing machine and dryer. Outside, garden furniture with large parasol, deckchairs and barbecue. 2 bicycles for men and 1 for women at disposal.